Education remains a top priority for the General Assembly. The existing budget provided his record $4.5 billion in funding for the public education system and passed several measures to improve student outcomes in Kentucky starting in 2022. This week, I would like to share about bills introduced this session or already passed by the House of Representatives that focus on improving the quality of education for Kentucky students.
Education Spending Proposal in the State Budget/HB 6: The budget bill passed by the House earlier this session, HB 6, provides historic levels of funding for K-12 public education, even after adjusting for inflation. . Under the proposal, her SEEK funding per student would increase to $4,368 in 2025 and $4,455 in 2026, and student transportation would be fully covered by her 2026. In addition, HB 6 provides $8 million over two years to establish a Family Resource Youth Service Center and includes $16.50. $1 million annually for school resource officers. What I want to emphasize is that the budget process is not over yet, and the Senate is currently working on a budget proposal.
Improving Mathematics Education/HB 162: This measure introduces new math standards for K-12 students, provides professional development for educators who teach these grades, and establishes teacher preparation programs in the bill. It is to meet the established standards. Similar to the Read to Succeed Act of 2022, this bill aims to improve Kentucky's education system by reforming classroom instructional practices.
Protecting Students from Abusive Behavior/HB 275: This measure would prohibit school districts from entering into nondisclosure agreements with teachers accused of abusive behavior toward students. The measure also directs schools to investigate all allegations of abusive behavior until a conclusion is reached. Additionally, HB 275 requires school districts to conduct past district references for teacher applicants. Past school districts must disclose all records of an individual's abusive behavior to school districts hiring new employees.
Prohibiting the Use of Cell Phones in the Classroom/HB 383: Classroom management is becoming more and more difficult due to students having access to cell phones during class. HB 383 would require school districts to adopt a policy prohibiting students from using cell phones in the classroom, except in emergencies or as directed by the classroom teacher.
Teacher Recruitment and Retention/HB 377: This measure establishes the Teacher Recruitment Student Loan Forgiveness Pilot Program and the Student Teacher Scholarship Program. Under the Teacher Recruitment Student Loan Forgiveness Pilot Program, students who are accepted into an eligible program will be eligible to receive $5,000 per semester, and students who declare a major in an eligible program will receive up to $2,500 per semester. I can. Students who receive these awards are required to teach in state for one year for each semester they receive the award. Students accepted into the Student Teacher Scholarship Program are eligible to receive up to $5,000 in scholarships during their academic year as a student teacher.
As always, you can always reach us on our toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also email us at bobby.mccool@lrc.ky.gov. You can also follow him on the Kentucky Legislature's website, Legislature.ky.gov.
