Education
Kentucky Senate approves two-year state budget 36-1
A nearly unanimous Senate on Wednesday night approved a state budget for the next two years before the document was publicly available on the legislature’s web site. The compromise budget, which by Thursday morning was posted on the legislature’s site, emerged from a House-Senate free conference committee on Tuesday. It increases funding for the basic […]
Senate approves bill aimed at helping schools avoid hiring teachers with a history of abuse
FRANKFORT — A House bill aimed at helping Kentucky schools avoid hiring sexual abusers gained passage in the Senate Wednesday.? Sponsored by House Education Committee Chairman Rep. James Tipton, House Bill 275 would require those seeking employment in schools to disclose if they were the subject of an allegation, investigation or disciplinary action within the […]
Pastoral counselors added to school ‘guardian’ bill as it clears House committee
FRANKFORT — A bill authorizing armed “guardians” to fill vacant law enforcement positions in Kentucky schools was passed by a House committee Tuesday morning with several new additions, including one allowing pastoral counselors in schools.? Discussion among House Education Committee members largely centered on an amendment for Senate Bill 2 from Irvington Republican Rep. Josh […]
School voucher proponents spend big to overcome rural resistance
AUSTIN, Texas — In rural Texas, public schools are the cultural heart of small towns. People pack the high school stadium for Friday night football games, and FFA classes prepare the next generation for the agricultural life. In many places, more people work for the school district than for any other employer. For years, many […]
Lawrence superintendent chosen as Kentucky education commissioner. Next stop state Senate.
FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Board of Education has named Lawrence County Schools Superintendent Robbie Fletcher as the next state commissioner of education.? The announcement was made during a special meeting of the board Thursday afternoon.? However, Fletcher still must be confirmed by the Senate, according to a new law passed last year. Pending his confirmation, […]
Cursive writing would become a ‘course of study’ in Kentucky public schools under Tichenor’s bill
FRANKFORT — A Republican senator wants to ensure that students become proficient in cursive handwriting in Kentucky’s public elementary schools.? Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, of Smithfield, presented Senate Bill 167, which would require cursive writing to be taught “as a course of study” in elementary schools, to the House Education Committee Tuesday. The Senate has already […]
As legislature heads into home stretch, here’s some of what remains to be done
FRANKFORT — With eight days left in this session and a slew of decisions pending, the Kentucky House and Senate reconvene Thursday afternoon after a three-day break. High on lawmakers’ to-do list will be finalizing the next two-year state budget. The Senate also must consider changes to the tax code approved with little public notice […]
State school board picks a new commissioner, but no announcement until contract is approved
The Kentucky Board of Education is set to start contract negotiations with a finalist for state education commissioner after two days of candidate interviews. Three finalists named in Kentucky’s education commissioner search The board authorized its chair,? Sharon Porter Robinson, to enter into negotiations with the preferred candidate, said a news release from the Kentucky […]
House votes to end diversity, equity, inclusion programs in Kentucky public higher education?
FRANKFORT — Despite hours of impassioned pleas by Democrats, the Republican-dominated House approved a bill that aims to end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at public universities and colleges in Kentucky.? The House ultimately voted 68-18 to approve an overhauled Senate Bill 6. Republican Rep. Killian Timoney, of Lexington, voted against the measure.?The only Democrat […]
‘Game changer:’ Amendment for public dollars to nonpublic schools clears General Assembly
FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Senate on Friday joined the House in passing legislation for a constitutional amendment — called a “game changer” by one Republican supporter — that would allow public dollars to fund nonpublic schools.? In a vote of 27-8, Senators approved House Bill 2. Eastern Kentucky Republican Sens. Brandon Storm and Phillip Wheeler […]
With bill sponsor absent, House committee expands Senate curbs on diversity in higher education
FRANKFORT —The House Education Committee on Thursday overhauled and expanded Senate-approved restrictions on diversity programs without hearing from the bill’s Senate sponsor. Rep. Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy, presented a substitute for Senate Bill 6 that goes much further than the version approved by the Senate and sponsored by Senate Republican Whip Mike Wilson. Decker’s substitute would […]
Amendment allowing public money for nonpublic schools breezes out of Senate committee
A constitutional amendment that could pave the way for charter schools and publicly funded vouchers to attend private schools in Kentucky is one step closer to going on the November ballot. The Senate Education Committee voted 11-2 in favor of House Bill 2 during a special meeting Thursday afternoon. Kentucky Education Association President Eddie Campbell […]