When you want to know what someone values, you look at their checkbook.
In the same way, our state’s budget provides an understanding of our values and how we meet our obligation to all Kentuckians. The laws enacted by the legislature also reflect what we believe is important. And, when you take into consideration both spending and policy, we do value education.
We spend more on education than any other area of government and this session we made every attempt to get funding to the level closest to students. Among the allocations made in the budget for kindergarten through 12th grade public education are:
- Provides $369 million more in funding over the current biennium
- Provides a 2% increase in each year for base SEEK, raising the per pupil funding is rises from $4,586 in FY 26 to $4,626 in FY 27 and $4,792 in FY 28
- Holds transportation at the FY 26 amount of $398 M in each year
- Increases General Fund by $61.51 million in FY 27 and $73.36 million in FY 28 to provide the full statutory on-behalf payments to the Teachers’ Retirement System for districts
- Increases General Fund by $128.3 million in FY 27 and $211.9 million in FY 28 to continue paying the full actuarially determined contribution in each fiscal year.
- Utilizes excess state funding of $3.99 million in FY 27 and increases General Fund by $12.41 million in FY 27 and $28.20 million in FY 28 to support a portion of the state’s cost of medical insurance for new retirees under the age of 65
- Allows a General Fund carry forward of $98.3 million from FY 26 into FY 27 and increases General Fund appropriations by $201 million in FY 28 to fully fund the costs of health insurance on behalf of local school district employees
- Increases Restricted Funds by $900,000 in FY 27 and $1.70 million in FY 28 to update and maintain the pathway system
- Increases General Fund by $47.22 million in FY 27 to fund the 2024-2026 SEEK employer match deficit
- Increases General Fund by $191,800 in FY 27 and $334,400 in FY 28 to support legacy benefits increases
In addition to funding, the legislature sets education policy. Proposals are generally reviewed by the House Primary and Secondary Education Committee, where members evaluate and advance measures related to Kentucky’s public schools. This session, the committee approved the following bills, which ultimately cleared the legislature and became law:
HB 67 clarifies electronic communications standards in place to prevent inappropriate communications between students and school board staff and volunteers.
HB 253 phases out the “three-cueing” reading method used in Kentucky schools by the 2029-2030 school year, instead emphasizing an evidence-based approach built around five key components: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. The measure also prohibits school districts from entering into nondisclosure agreements when misconduct involving a minor or student occurs.
HB 257 modernizes Kentucky’s assessment and accountability system by maintaining statewide academic measures required under federal law while giving school districts the option to develop local indicators of quality based on community priorities. The legislation also reduces testing time by removing on-demand writing assessments, shifting accountability toward measuring individual student growth, requiring districts to strengthen writing instruction across all subject areas, and adding new reporting measures related to teacher qualifications, student achievement, and FAFSA completion.
HB 555 gives local school boards the authority to decide how the proceeds generated from student businesses are used.
HB 562 expands educational and workforce opportunities for students with disabilities by creating an additional high school diploma option for eligible students who currently receive only a certificate of completion.
HB 727 improves the Kentucky Educator Placement Service System by allowing educator certification funds to support its development and enabling job applicants to apply to multiple school districts through a single platform.
SB 1 restructures governance within Jefferson County Public Schools by addressing constitutional concerns raised by the Kentucky Supreme Court while shifting key operational authority—such as personnel, financial decisions, and strategic implementation—to the superintendent under board oversight, and redefining the school board’s role to focus more on long-term planning and accountability.
SB 2 caps pay increases for superintendents and school administrators to no more than those awarded to classroom teachers, and ties a district’s SEEK eligibility to this limit.
SB 4 establishes a statewide five-year principal leadership development practicum to strengthen instructional leadership, improve school culture, and support new principals. The measure would also reduce the number of board members in districts with a population of more than 300,000 from seven to five; prohibit individuals who work in another district from running for school board; and require all current board members to run for reelection this year.
SB 46 allows Kentucky school districts to use smaller passenger vans for student transportation while requiring appropriate driver qualifications, training, and drug testing to ensure safety.
SB 101 requires schools to report assaults and attempted assaults against teachers and school employees that take place on school grounds and bus stops, includes reporting requirements, and mandates a 12-month expulsion for students who intentionally assault staff.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Samara.Heavrin@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
Rep. Samara Heavrin, R-Leitchfield
