What Are Local Measures of Quality? Why They Matter
August 22, 2025
What Are Local Measures of Quality? Why They Matter
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.
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
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.
Kentucky’s Workforce Innovation Board has officially recognized education as a high-demand sector. Every career begins with an educator and it’s imperative that as we recognize the demand, we provide solutions to addressing the challenge. This will mean every education stakeholder - legislators, educators, the Department of Education, parents, and students, must help find solutions to strengthen the pipeline of qualified educators. As the state faces teacher shortages and increasing demands on school leaders, the Kentucky General Assembly has the power to enact policies that will make a lasting impact. At the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents, we believe every district deserves a strong superintendent, every school deserves a highly effective principal, and every classroom a highly qualified teacher. Additionally, many other roles are part of the education sector: instructional assistants, nutrition service personnel, administrative and clerical staff, district leadership, etc. Education as a profession must have bold leadership if we are to see a strong and vibrant Commonwealth. It is foundational to everything we do. To ensure every Kentucky student has access to high-quality teachers, the legislature must focus on removing barriers to entry, providing financial incentives, and aligning workforce development efforts with education needs. Here are key areas where legislative action is critical. 1. Prioritizing Education Workforce Legislation in 2026 The General Assembly should convene a panel of stakeholders to provide policy and budget recommendations. This panel should include legislators, school and district leaders, teachers and other school personnel, workforce leaders, and post-secondary institutions. Clear guardrails from lawmakers will help shape sustainable, long-term solutions. This effort should be a top legislative priority outside of the budget process but must work in tandem with state funding initiatives to ensure financial feasibility. Senator Wise and the implementation of the School Safety and Resiliency Act (2019) is a great example of the type of panel we recommend. There are many other examples of past legislation where this approach has led to great outcomes for education and sustainable policy solutions. Our blog last week touched on a few of this and can be found HERE . 2. Allocating Workforce Development Funds to Education Kentucky already invests in workforce development initiatives for high-demand fields, yet education often remains underfunded in these efforts. The legislature should explore ways to direct state workforce development funds that could support: Scholarships and stipends for aspiring educators in hard-to-staff regions. Utilizing regional workforce development boards to incorporate education into their planning and resource allocation. Incentives for school districts to establish grow-your-own teacher programs. There are examples in Kentucky of these things already happening. Since 1948, the state Department of Transportation recognized a need to have high quality civil engineers and developed a scholarship for students enrolled in Kentucky universities. In exchange, they give service in the summers and upon graduation to the Department. This model could easily be used with education as well, particular in high demand content areas and hard to staff locations. 3. Reforming Teacher Certification Pathways To expand the educator pipeline while maintaining quality, the legislature should empower the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) and the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) to give a list of policy recommendations and changes that would: Streamline alternative certification pathways for mid-career professionals, particularly in STEM fields. Revise certification requirements to allow greater flexibility while ensuring teacher competency. Expand micro-credentialing programs that provide targeted training in high-need subject areas. Align workforce needs to programs and certifications through colleges and universities. Legislators have attempted to address some of these each session. What has unfortunately happened is that tweaks to the system have created difficulty for aspiring educators to understand, local districts to navigate, and post-secondary partners scrambling to determine the best options to support the profession. Instead of a piecemeal approach, policymakers must look holistically at the system and be bold with the simplification and alignment necessary to strengthen the educator pipeline. A Legislative Path Forward Addressing Kentucky’s education workforce crisis requires decisive action from the General Assembly. By prioritizing targeted legislation, allocating workforce development funds, and reforming certification pathways lawmakers can strengthen the future of public education in Kentucky. The time to act is now—Kentucky’s students, teachers, and school leaders are counting on it.
