Keeping Kids First: Advancing Education in Kentucky Through Legislative Action

Expanding Career Opportunities Through State Funding For over 219 years, Elizabethtown Independent Schools (EIS) has been a pillar of academic excellence in Kentucky. However, prior to 2022, the district faced a significant challenge—a lack of state funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE). This funding gap limited the opportunities available to students, preventing them from gaining hands-on experience in high-demand fields. Thanks to LAVEC and Supplemental CTE funding, EIS has now transformed its CTE programs, creating new career pathways, upgrading learning environments, and forming strategic industry partnerships to ensure students graduate career-ready. The Power of Legislative Support in Education With newly allocated state funding, EIS was able to: ✔ Introduce Three High-Demand Career Pathways – The district launched Health Science, Education, and JROTC pathways to meet student interest and workforce demands. ✔ Enhance Engineering and Business Pathways – Investments in state-of-the-art equipment have elevated hands-on learning experiences. ✔ Establish a School-Based Enterprise – A student-run business within the business pathway is providing real-world entrepreneurial training, with plans for expansion next year. Measurable Impact: Student Success on the Rise The impact of these initiatives is already visible: Increased Enrollment in Career Pathways – More students are choosing CTE programs, preparing them for high-paying, in-demand careers. Stronger Transition Readiness – EIS is seeing a rise in students graduating with job-ready skills and industry certifications. Project-Based Learning Expansion – Hands-on learning is now embedded across all schools, preparing students for real-world problem-solving before high school. “This funding has completely changed what we can offer our students. They now have access to career pathways that were previously unavailable, setting them up for success beyond graduation.” – Paul Mullins, Superintendent The Role of Community Partnerships in Student Success One of the key drivers of EIS’s CTE expansion has been strong community and industry partnerships. These collaborations have provided resources, mentorship, and job training opportunities that directly benefit students. Baptist Health – A critical partner in launching the Health Science Pathway, providing medical equipment and supplies to support student training. By working with local businesses and organizations, EIS is ensuring that students gain hands-on experience and industry exposure, making them highly competitive in the job market. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Career and Technical Education at EIS? The transformation of career and technical education at Elizabethtown Independent Schools is only just beginning. Looking ahead, the district is focused on: ✔ Expanding the School-Based Enterprise – Giving students even more opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills. ✔ Growing Industry Partnerships – Strengthening ties with local businesses, healthcare providers, and educational institutions to enhance learning experiences. ✔ Exploring Additional Career Pathways – Identifying new programs that align with workforce needs and student interests. With continued support from legislators, industry leaders, and the community, EIS is shaping the future of career and technical education, ensuring that every student has the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to thrive in college, careers, and beyond. Join the Movement: Supporting the Future of CTE The success of Elizabethtown Independent Schools demonstrates the power of legislative funding in transforming education. By investing in career pathways, workforce training, and hands-on learning, districts across Kentucky can prepare students for real-world success. Want to learn more about how EIS is leading the way in career education? Visit their WEBSITE for more details.

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.

Kentucky’s public education system thrives because of visionary leadership. This happens in our classrooms, in our schools, and across our districts. For many years, Kentucky superintendents have led this work and work tirelessly to overcome complex challenges, shape policy, and drive long-term improvements that benefit every student. In this blog, we explore the multifaceted roles of KY superintendents and why competitive compensation and robust support are essential for the future of our schools. The Expansive Role of Kentucky Superintendents Kentucky superintendents carry a heavy responsibility. Their role goes far beyond traditional management and with each year and increasing mandates, the role continues to expand. In addition to being the educational leader for their local districts, school superintendents must also: Ensure compliance with state and federal mandates that have only increased over the years and include a substantial number of regulations. Oversee a large number of employees. Local school districts are often the largest employer in many counties. Secure and manage hundreds of thousands of square feet of building space, including construction, routine upkeep, and the usage by the school community. Ensure the safety and well-being of every student and employee in their care. Steward a significant budget and be prudent with taxpayer dollars. Optimize efficiency in major operations including transportation and food services This is just a sampling of the vast responsibilities of today’s superintendent. To be successful, the role demands an exceptional breadth of expertise. Superintendents must be: Educational visionaries who can implement research-based strategies to improve student outcomes Financial managers who can navigate complex state funding formulas and maintain fiscal responsibility Political liaisons who work effectively with school boards, community stakeholders, and state officials Crisis managers who handle everything from weather emergencies to public health challenges Human resource executives who attract and retain quality educators in a competitive market Facilities managers who oversee maintenance and construction of physical infrastructure Public relations professionals who maintain transparent communication with diverse constituencies Undercompensation in a Demanding Field In the private sector, executives managing organizations of similar scale and complexity routinely command significantly higher salaries, often complemented by substantial bonuses and stock options that superintendents don't receive. When making a comparison to this group, it is clear that when comparing executive leadership roles across industries, Kentucky superintendents lag behind their counterparts in the private sector. The compensation package for Kentucky superintendents, while substantial, typically falls well below what private sector executives earn for managing organizations of comparable size and complexity. A CEO of a mid-sized company with similar budget and personnel responsibilities often earns two to three times more than a superintendent, not including equity compensation and performance bonuses. Furthermore, the stakes in education leadership are arguably higher than in many private sector roles. Superintendents' decisions directly impact community development, social mobility, and the future workforce. Their success or failure affects not just quarterly profits but the life trajectories of thousands of students and the long-term economic health of their communities. Consider also the demanding nature of the position. Superintendents regularly work 60+ hour weeks, attend numerous evening events, and must be available 24/7 for emergencies. They operate under intense public scrutiny, with their decisions and actions constantly subject to community oversight and media attention. Unlike private sector executives, they must conduct all business in the public eye, adhering to strict transparency requirements and open meetings laws. The qualifications required for the position further justify the compensation. Kentucky superintendents must possess advanced degrees, specialized certification, and extensive experience in education leadership. Many hold doctoral degrees and have invested significantly in their professional development. Their compensation should reflect this substantial investment in expertise and credentials. When comparing superintendent salaries to other public sector leadership positions, the compensation appears even more reasonable. University presidents, hospital administrators, and other public agency executives often earn comparable or higher salaries while managing smaller budgets and fewer employees. Looking at the return on investment, effective superintendents create value that far exceeds their compensation. Through strategic leadership, they can: Improve student achievement metrics that enhance property values Secure grants and alternative funding sources Implement efficiency measures that save taxpayer dollars Drive economic development by producing well-prepared graduates Build community partnerships that leverage additional resources Finally, the Kentucky Superintendency operates in four year contracts. Unlike other educational professionals or those in leadership positions, superintendents have no guarantee of tenure or continuing employment status. Much like their private sector counterparts, they are on a specified contract, determined by an elected board of education, every 4 years. A Future Built on Informed Investment The success of Kentucky’s public education system hinges on the strength and stability of its leadership. By recognizing the full scope of a superintendent’s role—from strategic vision and daily operations to overcoming budgetary and contractual challenges—we see that the compensation for superintendent salaries are best set when locally elected boards of education, held accountable by elections from their community, work with key stakeholders to hire, evaluate, and extend contracts to superintendents, without state directive or outside influence. When we invest in our superintendents, we invest in the future of every student and impact every community in the Commonwealth. Kentucky superintendents are more than administrators—they are visionary leaders dedicated to creating thriving, future-ready schools. Through the combined efforts of our superintendents, school leaders, educators, and our committed stakeholders, we will continue pave the way for a brighter educational landscape in Kentucky.

Dear Senator, We urge the Senate to NOT move HB694 during the short session and allow a collaborative process with public education stakeholders during the interim. This will honor the collaborative process that made HB540 of 2010 a success by ensuring all stakeholders have adequate time to review, understand, and provide feedback on the proposed changes before any vote occurs on HB694. The strength of the original legislation came from its inclusive approach—let's maintain that proven tradition of shared responsibility. Our Position We respectfully request the Kentucky General Assembly provide stakeholder feedback and input prior to final passage on HB694 that proposes changes to the Teacher Retirement System Medical Insurance Trust Fund (MITF) and the “Shared Responsibility” Plan approved in HB540 of 2010. We believe this will be best discussed during the interim since the MITF is several years from full funding. Background: A Legacy of Successful Collaboration The 2010 House Bill 540, known as "Shared Responsibility for Retiree Health Insurance," stands as a model of effective legislative collaboration. This landmark legislation succeeded precisely because it brought together all affected parties—legislators, school districts, and certified employees—to develop a sustainable solution. According to TRS projections, the MITF is only 3-4 years away from reaching 100% funding—clear evidence that the original collaborative approach is working as designed. This funding status provides ample time for thorough stakeholder review of any proposed changes. Our Concern: The current proposal makes significant departures from the original shared responsibility framework of HB540 of 2010, yet affected stakeholders have had minimal opportunity to: Fully understand the financial implications of the proposed changes Provide informed feedback on potential unintended consequences Suggest possible refinements that maintain the collaborative spirit of the original legislation Request for Action We ask that the General Assembly: Pause consideration of HB694. Convene meetings with all stakeholder groups who participated in the 2010 solution. Provide detailed analysis of how the proposed changes would affect the long-term stability of the fund and those groups contributing to its funding and any possible legal implications for shifting district funding from the MITF to the TRS Pension. Allow a reasonable comment period for affected parties to respond. Consider clarification that the normal costs to maintain the MITF will be continued upon achieving full funding (100%) which is currently 2.01%. Consider reducing employee contributions to 2.01 upon full funding to the MITF which would result in a reduction of 1.74% from the current level of 3.75%. As an example, a teacher making $50,000 per year would get $870 back into their salary adding another step in improving the earnings of our educators to help recruit and retain high quality professionals working with and around our students. We believe that we are better when we work together to find common solutions to these issues and are better able to serve our students, teachers, school districts, and the Commonwealth with an approach like this.

Investing in the Future: Legislative Support Strengthens Bourbon County Schools Bourbon County Schools is making critical investments in students, staff, and school safety thanks to increased SEEK funding and an adjusted Tier I rate . These additional resources have allowed the district to make meaningful improvements that benefit both education and operations , ensuring that every student has a safe and enriching learning environment. Investing in Our Educators & Staff A strong school system starts with strong educators and staff , and Bourbon County prioritized competitive salaries to attract and retain top talent. With $900,000 allocated for staff raises , the district was able to increase bus driver wages by up to $8 per hour —a much-needed step in addressing Kentucky’s ongoing driver shortages and ensuring reliable transportation for students. Enhancing Student Learning Environments With additional SEEK funding, Bourbon County Schools made substantial investments in new K-12 curriculum , ensuring that students have access to high-quality, modern learning materials . Additionally, the district upgraded classroom and cafeteria furniture , creating more comfortable and engaging environments that support both academic success and student well-being. Prioritizing School Safety & Transportation School safety remains a top priority , and Bourbon County took bold steps to enhance security measures district-wide. Investments included: 🔹 Audio Enhancement Epic System – A new system that interfaces directly with 911 , improving emergency response times and communication. 🔹 New Bus Fleet & Safety Features – The district purchased five new buses and equipped the entire fleet with real-time GPS tracking and stop-arm cameras to increase student safety on the road . These upgrades ensure that Bourbon County students not only have a safe learning environment but also a secure and reliable way to get to and from school each day . A Shared Commitment to Student Success The progress made in Bourbon County would not have been possible without strong legislative support. The district extends its gratitude to Representative Matt Koch and Senator Steve West for advocating for critical education funding that directly benefits students, staff, and families. With continued investment in staff, curriculum, and safety , Bourbon County Schools remains committed to providing a high-quality education for every student while ensuring that the district remains a safe, supportive, and forward-thinking place to learn . 💡 Learn more about how legislative support is shaping Kentucky’s schools: kysupts.org/success-stories  📲 Follow Bourbon County Schools for updates: 🔹 Facebook: @BourbonCountySchools