CALL TO ACTION: Contact Lawmakers, Urge Them to Stabilize Education Budgets Now

Public education thrives when communities, educators, and policymakers work together with a shared purpose. In Butler County Schools, that collaboration is translating into meaningful opportunities for students, thoughtful stewardship of resources, and learning experiences that extend far beyond classroom walls. Serving more than 2,100 students across five schools, Butler County Schools is guided by a clear vision: one team with one vision that makes us Butler Strong. Central to that vision is the district’s Portrait of a Learner framework, which emphasizes character, problem solving, communication, collaboration, and global citizenship. These durable skills are woven into every initiative, ensuring students are prepared not only for graduation, but for lifelong success. Expanding Career Pathways Through Real-World Learning Career and technical education plays a vital role in preparing students for the workforce and postsecondary opportunities. In Butler County, legislative support for CTE has strengthened programs at the Area Technology Center, allowing students to engage in authentic, hands-on experiences that mirror real-world expectations. One powerful example is the partnership with Northern Kentucky University, where students participated in an advanced cadaver experience as part of their healthcare pathway. This opportunity challenged students to think critically, apply classroom knowledge, and engage ethically with complex medical concepts. Experiences like this help students clarify career interests while building confidence and professionalism. Research consistently shows that students who participate in high-quality CTE programs are more likely to graduate and pursue meaningful careers. By investing in these pathways, Kentucky is helping districts like Butler County prepare a skilled, adaptable workforce that meets regional and statewide needs. Literacy, Service, and the Power of Connection Academic success is deeply connected to literacy, and Butler County Schools is embracing innovative approaches to nurture both reading skills and student leadership. Supported by literacy-focused legislation, district initiatives encourage students to see learning as something that happens everywhere, not just during the school day. At Morgantown Elementary School, the Books and Braids program brings this philosophy to life. High school students volunteer their time to mentor younger readers, combining literacy practice with relationship building and confidence. These early-morning sessions foster a love of reading while modeling empathy, responsibility, and service. Programs like this highlight the broader impact of literacy investments. When students are engaged as leaders and mentors, learning becomes relational and meaningful, strengthening school culture and community ties. Stewardship That Supports Classrooms Effective use of resources is another cornerstone of student success. Through an innovative energy partnership with Trane Technologies, Butler County Schools has demonstrated how problem solving and collaboration can yield significant results. The district’s efforts have generated more than $96,000 in annual savings while improving ENERGY STAR scores across school facilities. These savings are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They represent dollars that can be redirected to classrooms, instructional resources, and student supports. They also model responsible stewardship for students, showing how thoughtful decision-making can have lasting benefits. Facility efficiency is increasingly important as districts balance rising costs with the need to maintain safe, healthy learning environments. Butler County’s approach illustrates how legislative support for facility improvements can empower districts to be both fiscally responsible and student focused. Collaboration as a Catalyst for Growth None of these successes happen in isolation. Butler County Schools benefits from strong partnerships with higher education institutions, community organizations, and local leaders who share a commitment to student success. These relationships expand learning opportunities and ensure students are supported by a broad network of advocates. Collaboration within the district is equally important. By aligning initiatives to the Portrait of a Learner framework, educators across schools work toward common goals while meeting the unique needs of their students. This shared purpose strengthens consistency, equity, and outcomes. Aligning With Kentucky’s Education Priorities The work underway in Butler County reflects broader legislative priorities for Kentucky’s public schools. Continued support for Read to Succeed and Numeracy Counts initiatives underscores the importance of strong foundational skills. Investments in CTE and facility efficiency align with efforts to strengthen the education pipeline and ensure responsible use of public funds. When policy and practice are aligned, districts are better positioned to innovate, plan for the future, and respond to local needs. Butler County Schools’ success demonstrates the value of sustained, thoughtful investment in public education. Looking Ahead As Butler County Schools looks to the future, the focus remains clear: expand opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and keep students at the center of every decision. With continued legislative support and community collaboration, the district will build on its momentum, ensuring that every learner has access to the experiences and supports they need to thrive. Together, we are building stronger schools, brighter futures, and communities that are truly Butler Strong. Learn more about Butler County Schools’ work by visiting Butler County Schools website.

For more than thirty years, Kentucky has relied on the Support Education Excellence in Kentucky formula to fulfill a simple but powerful promise: every child deserves access to a high-quality public education, no matter their zip code. The SEEK formula was designed to make this promise real by supporting equity, strengthening local schools, and prioritizing the needs of students and educators. Today, that promise remains just as vital. Our districts continue to serve students with rising academic, mental health, transportation, and safety needs. Yet while expectations for schools have grown, state funding has not kept pace with real costs. As a result, local communities carry an increasing share of the burden, which challenges fairness and weakens our commitment to the Kids First mission. Understanding the Funding Gap When we look at historical trends, the issue becomes clearer. In 2008, the inflation-adjusted SEEK base was the equivalent of $5,743 per student. Today, even with periodic increases, Kentucky has not restored that level of investment. Districts, especially those with lower property wealth, are forced to rely heavily on local revenue to maintain basic programs, staffing, and student supports. This widens the gap between communities and places additional pressure on families. As we move into a new budget cycle, this is a central KASS legislative priority. Closing the SEEK shortfall and ensuring sustainable growth in state funding is essential not just for the next two years but for long-term district planning and stability. Why Add-Ons Matter for Students The SEEK base is only part of the equation. Add-on components provide targeted funding for transportation, full-day kindergarten, mental health professionals, school safety officers, and other essential services. These supports reflect the real needs of Kentucky students and the increasing expectations placed on schools. Fully funding these add-ons is not optional. It is a core part of delivering on our constitutional responsibility to provide every child with an efficient system of common schools. KASS continues to advocate for full reimbursement for school resource officers, codification of school facility funding efficiencies (such as those in HB 727), and financial impact statements on every education bill to prevent unfunded mandates for districts. Moving Toward a Stronger, More Sustainable SEEK SEEK can and should evolve to reflect the modern realities of public education. KASS supports improvements that include: Annual SEEK adjustments that track inflation so districts are not losing purchasing power each year Modernizing add-on structures to account for actual costs Aligning state and local contributions toward a sustainable 60/40 balance Ensuring consistency and predictability so districts can build long-term budgets with confidence These steps strengthen local schools, reduce inequities across communities, and honor Kentucky’s commitment to public education. Keeping Kids First: Why This Matters Now When we talk about SEEK, we are ultimately talking about fairness. A child in a rural Eastern Kentucky county deserves every opportunity available to a child in a suburban or urban district. With consistent and equitable funding, schools can continue: Recruiting and retaining high-quality educators Expanding mental health and academic supports Providing safe learning environments Offering robust pathways in career and technical education, college preparation, and workforce development These goals align directly with KASS’s 2026 priorities: investing in educator pipelines, reducing outdated mandates, expanding learning opportunities, and strengthening the financial foundation of Kentucky’s schools. A Path Forward for Kentucky The way ahead is clear. Kentucky must commit to a sustainable, fully funded SEEK system that acknowledges the real cost of educating our children. By doing so, we keep our promise to students, families, and communities. We also ensure that public education remains the Commonwealth’s most powerful driver of opportunity, mobility, and economic strength. Together, with a unified voice and a Kids First vision, we can build a future where every student across Kentucky is supported, valued, and prepared for success.

Strong schools are built on strong leadership. Across Kentucky, superintendents understand that thriving classrooms and successful districts depend on more than one leader at the top. They rely on principals, assistant principals, teacher-leaders, instructional coaches, and district staff who share responsibility for shaping the future of public education. At KASS, we believe that every district deserves a great superintendent, every school deserves a great principal, and every classroom deserves a great teacher. None of that happens by accident. Leadership Development: The Foundation of Strong Schools Recent statewide data affirms what local leaders see every day: leadership pipelines matter. When schools intentionally invest in developing leadership capacity, they cultivate innovation, stability, and long-term success. These pipelines ensure that when experienced leaders retire or change roles, a new generation is prepared to step forward with skill and vision. As KDE continues expanding professional learning and leadership pathways, the message is clear: leadership development is not a luxury—it is essential. Kentucky schools are meeting rising expectations related to mental health, school safety, family engagement, career readiness, and personalized learning. Meeting these demands requires a deep bench of capable, well-supported leaders. Leadership Pipelines: Essential, Not Optional Investing in leadership pipelines means creating systems that identify, mentor, and prepare future school leaders. These systems help districts: Identify teachers with leadership potential Provide targeted coaching and mentoring Offer professional development aligned with district goals The Wallace Foundation reports that school leadership is second only to classroom instruction in its influence on student achievement. Kentucky districts that invest in structured pipelines are creating the conditions for sustained excellence. But leadership development in Kentucky is not limited to adults. Increasingly, schools recognize that student leadership is essential to student success . Whether through student voice initiatives, service learning, or Portraits of a Learner that emphasize collaboration, initiative, and agency, schools are intentionally cultivating leadership in young people. As I often reminded my own leadership teams, if students aren’t in on it, our efforts will fall short of their intended impact. When we invest in strong adult leadership pipelines, we make possible equally strong student leadership pipelines—ensuring that learners graduate empowered, engaged, and ready to lead in their communities and careers. Aligning with Kentucky’s Education Priorities KASS has long emphasized that education leadership is a workforce priority. The 2026 KASS Legislative Priorities reinforce this message through policies that support educator recruitment, retention, and leadership development—broadening certification options, expanding job-embedded professional learning, and strengthening grow-your-own initiatives such as Educators Rising. Just as importantly, KASS advocates for reducing unnecessary bureaucratic burdens on schools so leaders can focus on students, not paperwork. Some have argued that districts are growing administrative staff unnecessarily. In reality, the expansion of district-level responsibilities is a direct response to state and federal mandates —most of them well intentioned, but increasingly complex. These requirements lean heavily toward compliance rather than engagement, empowerment, or student impact, and they come with extensive reporting, monitoring, and oversight obligations. When laws are passed quickly, without full consideration of the operational impact, they can create wide-ranging, unintended consequences—especially when they are underfunded or unfunded. These mandates directly shape district staffing patterns, making administrative support a necessity rather than a choice. If Kentucky wants leaner bureaucracy, the solution is not to cut people who are required to carry out legally mandated tasks—it is to r eview and streamline the mandates themselves so schools can redirect time, resources, and talent back into developing strong leaders at every level. This vision aligns directly with United We Learn , which calls on Kentucky to rethink accountability and build systems that empower, rather than constrain, educators and local communities. Investing in People for Student Success Leadership pipelines strengthen the teaching profession and improve outcomes for every learner. Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research shows that schools led by effective principals see higher teacher retention and stronger student performance. And when adult leaders focus on empowering students, the impact multiplies. Schools with strong leadership cultures give students more opportunities to practice agency, take initiative, and develop the skills emphasized in Kentucky’s Portrait of a Learner. KASS continues to advocate for legislative funding that prioritizes people over programs. Districts need flexibility and resources to provide competitive salaries, mentoring programs, and professional learning communities that elevate educators at every stage of their careers—and, in turn, elevate the leadership pathways available to students. A Shared Vision for the Future For Kentucky’s superintendents, this work is both urgent and hopeful. Leadership development provides stability during times of change and momentum during times of challenge. Across the Commonwealth, superintendents are cultivating a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong learning that benefits every student. By strengthening Kentucky’s leadership pipeline—both for adults and for students—we ensure that every child learns in a school led by compassionate, highly skilled professionals committed to keeping Kids First . That is how we build a stronger, more resilient future for Kentucky’s public schools.

Nestled in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, Morgan County Schools stands as a powerful example of what happens when vision, community, and legislative support come together to serve every student. With around 1,600 students across six schools, the district is small in size but large in heart—driven by a deep belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Morgan County is not only improving academic outcomes but also redefining what equitable learning looks like in rural education. This work is made possible through targeted state and federal investments, including increased SEEK and Tier I funding and legislative support for the Read to Succeed and Numeracy Counts Act. A Community Rooted in Resilience and Hope Morgan County’s story begins with a tradition of strength and resilience. In a region where many families face economic hardship, the schools have become the heartbeat of the community—a place where hope is cultivated and opportunity takes root. Superintendent Dr. Ralph W. Hamilton and his leadership team understand that rural districts must often do more with less. Legislative resources have provided essential flexibility—allowing Morgan County to prioritize “people over programs,” attract and retain talented educators, and align instruction to the unique needs of their students. This emphasis on local priorities reflects the broader goals of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS) 2026 Legislative Agenda, which calls for closing the SEEK funding shortfall, improving school construction funding, and strengthening the educator pipeline. Morgan County’s work exemplifies how these priorities can come to life at the district level. What MTSS Means for Students MTSS is a proactive, evidence-based approach that helps schools meet students where they are—academically, behaviorally, and emotionally. In Morgan County, the model is built around three tiers of support: Tier I: Universal instruction that serves over 80% of students through high-quality, grade-level teaching and schoolwide supports. Tier II: Targeted interventions for roughly 15% of students who need additional help in specific skill areas. Tier III: Intensive, individualized interventions for the 5% of students who require specialized, sustained support. This system ensures that learning is fluid and responsive. Teachers regularly review data to identify student needs, adjust instruction, and collaborate across grade levels. The goal is not just to improve test scores—but to create confident, independent learners prepared to succeed in life beyond the classroom. The Power of Partnership The success of MTSS in Morgan County is not solely the result of internal strategy—it’s the outcome of partnerships that span the entire community. Local businesses provide mentorships and work-based learning experiences that give students real-world perspective. Community organizations play a vital role in social-emotional learning (SEL) and family engagement, while nearby higher education institutions open doors to advanced coursework and career pathways. These connections extend the classroom into the community, reflecting one of KASS’s core advocacy goals: empowering local districts to collaborate for sustainable, community-centered learning. Results That Speak for Themselves Morgan County’s investment in MTSS is already producing measurable and meaningful results: Improved academic performance on both state and local assessments. Consistently high graduation rates that reflect a culture of persistence. Decreased behavioral referrals, signaling stronger student engagement. Higher attendance rates, often linked to the sense of belonging cultivated in supportive classrooms. Teachers report increased positive behavior, engagement, and collaboration among students. Through targeted interventions and small-group instruction, students build confidence and master challenging content. The district’s commitment to holistic education is embodied in its Portrait of a Learner—encouraging each child to grow as an Impactful Citizen, Confident Contributor, Empathetic Servant, Solution Seeker, and Effective Communicator. Celebrating Excellence and Recognition Morgan County’s schools are no strangers to recognition. Ezel Elementary has twice been named a National Blue Ribbon School. East Valley Elementary earned the same distinction once and ranked among the top ten schools statewide in 2024 performance on the Kentucky Summative Assessment. All six district schools—East Valley, Ezel, Morgan Central, Wrigley Elementary, Morgan County Middle, and Morgan County High—have been recognized as Prichard Committee Family Friendly Schools. These achievements represent far more than accolades; they are evidence of a district culture built on collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement. Legislative Support: A Lifeline for Rural Opportunity Morgan County’s success is directly tied to strong legislative partnerships and advocacy for equitable funding. Increased SEEK and Tier I funding has allowed the district to recruit and retain high-quality educators, improve compensation, and sustain critical programs that larger districts often take for granted. This aligns closely with KASS’s call to close the SEEK shortfall and ensure that Kentucky’s funding formula provides a fair opportunity for all students, regardless of zip code. Similarly, continued investment in the Read to Succeed and Numeracy Counts Act helps ensure that foundational literacy and numeracy skills are supported from the earliest grades—an essential step toward fulfilling the United We Learn framework’s vision for lifelong learning. Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum For Morgan County Schools, MTSS is not a one-time initiative—it’s an ongoing process of reflection, collaboration, and growth. As the district continues to build capacity, expand professional learning, and engage families, it serves as a model for how Kentucky’s rural districts can deliver innovation with limited resources. Dr. Hamilton notes that the district’s greatest strength lies in its people: “When we prioritize people over programs, we build a system where every student—and every educator—can succeed.” This mindset perfectly captures KASS’s vision for Kentucky’s future: a united, learner-centered system where every child, regardless of background, has the tools to succeed. Why This Matters for Kentucky’s Future The lessons from Morgan County are clear: Legislative investments in equity yield transformative outcomes. Supporting educators drives systemic improvement. Collaboration among schools, families, and communities creates sustainable success. As Kentucky continues to build on the United We Learn vision, districts like Morgan County demonstrate what’s possible when funding, flexibility, and local leadership align. Their story proves that even in the most rural corners of the Commonwealth, the pursuit of excellence knows no limits. Join the Movement Learn more about Morgan County Schools’ work by following Morgan County Schools on Facebook or @SuptMCS on X. Together, we’re shaping the future of Kentucky’s public education—one student, one school, and one strong community at a time.

Accountability in Kentucky’s public education system is strongest when it reflects the voices and values of local communities along with statewide priorities for reading, math, transition readiness, graduation, student growth and grade-level performance. Across the Commonwealth, districts are demonstrating how local innovation, data transparency, and community collaboration can transform how we define student success. By elevating both metrics and meaning, superintendents are building systems that not only meet state standards but also reflect the priorities of Kentucky families, educators, and students. Reimagining Accountability through Local Voices Kentucky’s approach to accountability has long emphasized state assessment results and compliance metrics. But superintendents across the state are asking an essential question: What if our accountability systems measured what matters most to our communities? Districts like Kenton County, Fleming County, and Bullitt County are answering that call by building community-facing dashboards that align state-required data with locally meaningful measures. These dashboards showcase not just test scores, but also indicators like career readiness, student well-being, and authentic learning experiences. Kenton County Schools has created an online dashboard that pairs academic results with student wellness data and career readiness outcomes, giving families a more holistic understanding of progress. Fleming County Schools has built an interactive Portrait of a Graduate Dashboard that tracks academic growth, career readiness, and community engagement in real time. This local system reflects the district’s vision for transparent, community-centered accountability. Bullitt County Schools has reimagined communication by sharing stories of teachers and students who embody the district’s goals, turning abstract data into relatable narratives. Other districts, including Greenup, Shelby, and Butler counties, are also piloting new models that blend data, transparency, and storytelling, proving that accountability goes beyond compliance, focusing on clarity, connection and meaningful experiences. Accountability as a Partnership At its core, accountability should not be something done to schools; it should be built with schools and communities. Families want to see how their schools are preparing students for the future, but they also want evidence that reflects their own local priorities. Dashboards that visualize data on career pathways, student engagement, and community service create a shared language of progress. When a district superintendent pairs a rising graduation rate with a student’s career pathway story, accountability becomes more than a number. It becomes a narrative of growth and opportunity. Connecting Local Innovation to Statewide Vision This movement toward locally aligned accountability directly supports the 2026 KASS Legislative Priorities, particularly the goal to “Launching a meaningful and modern education accountability system” The United We Learn initiative, led by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), envisions an education system rooted in equity, innovation, and deeper learning. It calls for locally developed accountability structures that balance state oversight with the flexibility districts need to measure what matters most. KASS has elevated superintendents voices in the development of this vision. Our association believes that district-driven accountability (guided by community voices and informed by real-world data) is essential to preparing students for lifelong learning and success. As part of its 2026 advocacy platform, KASS continues to champion policies that: Empower districts to use authentic, locally developed measures of learning and growth. Encourage innovation in how schools report performance to families and communities. Support professional learning for superintendents and educators to implement next-generation accountability models. Provide the flexibility in the system to reflect the unique needs and opportunities of each community. Local Metrics in Action: From Data to Story When data tells a story, communities engage. That’s the lesson coming from districts like Kenton and Fleming counties. Instead of publishing charts filled with unfamiliar terms, these districts are using interactive dashboards and story maps to bring numbers to life. For example, a dashboard may show how many students completed dual credit courses, but it might also feature a short video of a student explaining how that course prepared them for college or a career in healthcare. This blend of quantitative and qualitative reporting is reshaping how stakeholders perceive accountability. It’s not just about performance indicators; it’s about understanding impact. Moreover, these approaches promote trust and transparency, which are key pillars in public education. Research from the National School Public Relations Association emphasizes that storytelling paired with data enhances community confidence and fosters long-term engagement. Kentucky districts are proving this to be true. Building Capacity for the Future KASS recognizes that building local accountability systems requires both resources and professional support. That’s why our 2026 legislative priorities include continued investment in educator development, particularly around data/assessment literacy and local communication strategies. Superintendents must be equipped to lead not only instructional change but also narrative change by helping their communities understand what modern education success looks like. By aligning accountability with career readiness pathways, numeracy and literacy goals, and authentic learning experiences, districts ensure that local innovation complements statewide progress. This work also ties to KASS’ long-term focus on education funding reform, ensuring that districts have the flexibility to direct resources toward initiatives that support locally defined outcomes. A Kids First Approach to Accountability Every element of this new accountability vision circles back to the KASS mission: putting Kids First. When schools measure what truly matters (student engagement, well-being, and preparedness) they reinforce the belief that accountability should serve students, over systems. The shift toward local metrics ensures that the measures of success are as diverse as the communities they represent. As KASS Executive Director Dr. Jim Flynn often reminds us, “Accountability is about strengthening how we practice and grow, as much as proving performance and impact.” This mindset empowers districts to take ownership of their data and design models that celebrate both progress and potential. Looking Ahead: Accountability as a Living Practice Kentucky’s superintendents are leading the way toward a more meaningful accountability future. They know that one-size-fits-all models cannot capture the diverse strengths of Kentucky’s school districts. By elevating local voices and local metrics, we are shaping a system that measures not only student achievement but also the relationships, creativity, and resilience that define lifelong learning. This work isn’t a moment in time; it’s a movement taking shape. As Kentucky continues to innovate under the inspiration of the United We Learn vision, KASS remains committed to advocating for policies that amplifies superintendent voices and builds traction for sustained progress into 2026 and beyond.