The Best Legislation Takes Time
March 6, 2025
The Best Legislation Takes Time: Thoughtful Policy for Schools
Crafting meaningful legislation that positively impacts schools is a process that requires patience, collaboration, and oftentimes, multiple legislative sessions. Thoughtful policy development ensures that changes are not only effective but also supported by the key stakeholders who will be most affected and in charge of implementing the legislation and the local school and district level.
Why Time Matters in Legislation
Rushing legislation can lead to unintended consequences, lack of stakeholder input, and policies that fail to address the complexities of the education system. By allowing time for discussion, revision, and stakeholder involvement, lawmakers can craft policies that truly serve Kentucky’s students and educators.
Legislation is step one in the change process. In order for change to truly occur, local schools and school districts must adequately implement this change in a way that’s consistent with their local community needs and in a proactive, rather than a compliant mindset.
Stakeholder Involvement: A Key to Success
One of the most effective ways to ensure the success of new legislation is by incorporating input from those directly impacted. When superintendents, educators, parents, and policymakers work together, the result is legislation that is both practical and widely supported. This collaborative approach builds trust in the legislative process and ensures better outcomes for Kentucky’s students.
This approach also provides legislators with valuable real-world insights that can shape more effective policies. Education leaders understand the day-to-day realities of schools, from budgeting constraints to curriculum implementation. When their voices are included, policies become more responsive and actionable, rather than top-down mandates that may not fit the realities of Kentucky’s diverse school districts.
Slower Legislation, Better Outcomes
Taking time to develop legislation allows:
- Thorough research and analysis of potential impacts
- Inclusion of a diverse range of perspectives
- Development of policies that are sustainable and adaptable
- Greater buy-in from schools and communities
When legislators take a deliberate and measured approach, they ensure that education policy is not only well-intentioned but also effective in practice. Legislation that is rushed through often leads to unintended gaps that require additional amendments later, creating inefficiencies and confusion for school leaders. Thoughtful legislation ensures clarity, proper funding, and smoother implementation.
Learning from Past Legislative Successes
Past legislative successes in Kentucky serve as a blueprint for future policymaking. The School Safety and Resiliency Act (2019) is a prime example of how careful deliberation led to comprehensive safety measures that are both enforceable and effective. Likewise, the Read to Succeed Act and Numeracy Counts Act demonstrate how bipartisan support and research-backed strategies can improve student outcomes in fundamental subjects.
A particularly notable case is the Shared Responsibility pension reform of 2010, which tackled the complex issue of funding educator pensions. By taking the time to study the financial implications and consult with various stakeholders, Kentucky was able to implement a solution that balanced the needs of retirees while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the system.
The Path Forward: Thoughtful Policy for the Future
As Kentucky continues to refine its education policies, maintaining a deliberate and collaborative approach will be key. Looking ahead, issues such as school funding, teacher recruitment, and student support services require long-term strategic planning. Legislators should view the policymaking process as a marathon rather than a sprint, focusing on building frameworks that will endure beyond election cycles and immediate pressures.
At the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS), we believe that the best policies are those that prioritize the needs of students and educators while taking the necessary time to get them right. By advocating for well-researched, stakeholder-supported legislation, we help create a stronger foundation for Kentucky’s education system.
We encourage policymakers to continue prioritizing thoughtful, well-paced legislative processes that ultimately benefit Kentucky’s schools and students. Thoughtful legislation isn’t just about passing laws—it’s about shaping the future of education in a way that ensures lasting success for generations to come.
At the confluence of the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, Carroll County is a close-knit community where schools serve as the center of life. With only 10,000 residents, nearly every family has a connection to the district. Strong partnerships with local industries allow Carroll County Schools to prepare students for futures both within the community and beyond. Superintendent Casey Jaynes emphasizes that the district’s role extends beyond academics. It is about ensuring students are prepared for the workforce opportunities that await them. Thanks to supplemental state funding for career and technical education (CTE), Carroll County High School launched a new Heavy Equipment Operator Pathway in the 2024–2025 school year. Known as CATALYST (Carroll Area Transportation and Logistics Youth Simulation Training), the program introduces students to heavy machinery operation through state-of-the-art simulators. The initiative is already opening doors. Students practice on the same equipment used by major employers such as Nucor, Luhn & Oak, and Kemper Construction, giving them a competitive advantage in high-demand fields. Many participants are also working toward a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a credential that expands career options after graduation. Industry partners share the enthusiasm. Shawn Keeton of Luhn & Oak Construction said, “For the school to embrace the needed training and worker shortage is a dream come true and something that I have thought about and worked toward for years.” This collaboration highlights Carroll County’s commitment to collective progress. For students like Dylan Service and Nahomy Lopez Perez, the program is already transformative. Dylan explained that he has gained skills ranging from safety procedures to actual equipment operation, which he believes will help him secure a job after high school. Nahomy, one of the program’s pioneering female participants, noted that the work requires focus and persistence, but with practice, success is possible. This initiative reflects KASS’s priorities: building a strong workforce pipeline, advocating for funding that delivers opportunities, and ensuring accountability that supports the United We Learn vision. Carroll County Schools is showing how community, education, and industry can come together to create opportunity. As Superintendent Jaynes put it, “Our community is changing, and we have to provide our employers with a technically skilled workforce.” Carroll County is ready to lead students toward that future. For more on this initiative, visit carroll.kyschools.us
In Kentucky, superintendents and education leaders are working toward a bold vision for accountability. Instead of relying only on state test scores, districts are beginning to design local measures of quality that reflect the needs, strengths, and values of their own communities. It’s powerful to watch districts all over the commonwealth engage deeply with their community to determine what is most important for the education of their students. Why Local Accountability Matters Every public school exists to serve its community. From its inception, Kentucky’s school districts have supported the local needs of its people and helped to shape generations. We (Families, students, and educators) all agree that schools should be measured not only by numbers on a page, but also by how well they are preparing young people to thrive in life. Local accountability ensures that Kids First is not just a motto, but a measure of success that is meaningful to every Kentucky student. Community Voice at the Center Local measures are not imposed from the outside. They are created with input from parents, students, educators, employers and community leaders. Some communities may highlight financial stewardship, while others focus on student leadership, growth over time, or readiness for the workforce. The power of local measures is the innovation that happens that others can learn from. Logan County chooses to provide a focus on student leadership while Bullitt County ensures authentic learning experiences for every child. What matters is that each district is empowered to define what quality looks like for its children. Kentucky is a commonwealth of diverse communities. What success looks like in a rural county may not be the same as in an urban district. Local measures allow each community to reflect its own priorities while contributing to a broader statewide vision. Together, these measures strengthen public education in Kentucky by ensuring that accountability is rooted in both excellence and relevance. Looking Ahead Launching a modern accountability system is one of the key priorities for Kentucky’s education future. Local measures will play a vital role in this system by providing a clearer, more complete picture of student learning and growth. By working together, superintendents and communities can ensure that every Kentucky student becomes the best version of themselves. KASS believes in strong accountability for our public schools. This means we MUST have our communities at the table to help us define what these measures should be. This has already started in communities across the state. Now is the time to ensure it is part of our accountability system for every student in the Commonwealth.
As a new school year begins, we are excited to welcome back our students, staff, and school leaders across the Commonwealth. As we begin this new year, possibilities and challenges await. Our superintendents are the leadership heartbeat of our public education system, shaping futures, strengthening communities, and navigating through every challenge we face. This year brings both opportunity and urgency. The challenges before us (growing workforce needs, evolving accountability demands, and the need for sustainable funding) require unified, purposeful advocacy. The time is NOW for Kentucky to recommit to the work of public education and KASS remains committed to putting Kids First in every action. We stand with every Kentuckian to advance a vision of education that reflects the promise of every child and the values of every community in the Commonwealth. Our Top Legislative Priorities for 2026 1. Launch a Meaningful, Modern Accountability System Kentucky needs an accountability framework that measures more than test scores. Our vision is a system that partners with local communities, honors personal growth, and values the skills and attributes that make each student life-ready. This means elevating community-based accountability alongside state measures, ensuring that what we track truly reflects what matters most to families, educators, and employers. 2. Build a Strong, Sustainable Educator Workforce Pipeline Our schools are only as strong as the people who lead them. With education now recognized as a top five in-demand sector, we must attract, develop, and retain exceptional educators at every level. This includes competitive salaries, expanded pathways into the profession, and induction programs that set new teachers, principals, and superintendents up for success. 3. Secure a Budget that Invests in Long-Term Student Success To meet Kentucky’s goals, we must restore SEEK funding to the 2008 inflation-adjusted equivalent of $5,743 per student. Aligning our budget with our ambitions ensures that every district has the resources to address local needs, provide competitive wages, and deliver safe, high-quality learning environments. A Call to Lead Together The year ahead will be pivotal. KASS will continue to advocate with clarity, compassion, and resolve because the future of Kentucky’s children depends on it. We invite every superintendent to join us in reaching out to legislators, sharing local stories, and making our united voice heard in Frankfort. Your leadership matters. Your advocacy matters. Together, we can shape a world-class public education system for Kentucky.
Education as a High-Demand Sector: What It Means for Kentucky’s Schools
Strengthening Kentucky’s Education Workforce: Solutions & Strategies
Henry County Schools, located in Kentucky’s Golden Triangle, is making significant strides in student success through investments in school safety, career and technical education (CTE), and academic excellence. With legislative support fueling these advancements, the district is creating a brighter future for students by ensuring they have access to industry-relevant training, a secure learning environment, and evidence-based curriculum programs. Prioritizing Student Safety with Expanded SROs School safety is a top priority for Henry County Schools, and thanks to increased legislative funding, the district has expanded its School Resource Officer (SRO) program. An additional officer has been assigned to elementary schools, providing younger students with a safer learning environment. This initiative underscores the district’s commitment to student well-being and fostering a positive school culture. Investing in Career & Technical Education (CTE) for Future Workforce Success To prepare students for high-demand careers, Henry County Schools has upgraded its CTE programs with state-of-the-art equipment and software. These improvements impact pathways in: Media Engineering Health Science Business Agriculture By integrating industry-standard tools into classroom learning, students gain hands-on experience that makes them more competitive in today’s workforce. This initiative is a game-changer for career readiness, ensuring graduates leave high school equipped with the skills needed for success. Academic Gains Through Evidence-Based Curriculum & Leadership Development Academic excellence remains at the heart of Henry County Schools. The district has implemented an evidence-based Reading and Math curriculum for grades K-8, alongside the Leader in Me program—a leadership initiative designed to improve student engagement and school culture. By the Numbers: How These Investments Are Paying Off Henry County Schools is seeing measurable improvements across multiple areas: ✔️ Ranked 13th in Kentucky for Reading & Math growth (out of 172 districts) ✔️ Largest academic score increase in the OVEC region (from 56.87 to 62.85) ✔️ Notable reductions in novice performance across nearly all grade levels ✔️ Increase in students achieving proficiency & distinguished levels on assessments Beyond academics, the district has also made incredible strides in school culture and climate : ✔️ School Climate ranking improved from 124th to 19th in the state ✔️ Staff-Leadership relationships jumped from 132nd to 14th ✔️ Student Behavior ranking surged from 71st to 8th Community & Legislative Support: The Driving Force Behind Success These remarkable improvements wouldn’t be possible without legislative support, grant funding, and community partnerships. With continued investment, Henry County Schools can further expand career pathways, safety initiatives, and innovative learning opportunities. What’s Next for Henry County Schools? With this momentum, the district is planning: ✅ Further expansion of CTE pathways to provide students with cutting-edge career training ✅ Ongoing implementation of evidence-based curriculum for even greater academic success ✅ Potential for additional SRO placements to strengthen school safety Henry County Schools: A Model for Student Success At Henry County Schools, education isn’t just about textbooks and test scores—it’s about preparing students for a successful future. Whether through safer schools, hands-on career training, or innovative teaching methods, the district is setting a new standard for excellence in education. For more information, visit Henry County Schools website.
