Principal's Internship Falls Victim to Education Cuts

Study after study suggests that a well-trained and well-supported principal is a key component to successful school reform.

To assist with the successful placement of new principals in Kentucky, KERA anticipated an internship that would allow a new principal to work closely with a veteran principal serving as mentor, a district administrator named by the superintendent, and a university professor for their first year.

But university coordinators were informed by EPSB last week that the Kentucky Principal's Internship Program would be cut.

In an email from EPSB Director Cindy Owen state universities were told, "no funds are provided in the appropriations for the operational costs of KPIP in the 2008-2010 fiscal biennium and no monies can be spent on KPIP after June 30, 2008."

Principals currently "in process" will be handled as follows:

Principals and Full-Time Assistant Principals Already Participating in KPIP Principals and full-time assistant principals already participating in KPIP shall continue the internship as currently established through June 30, 2008. Upon receipt of the Summative Report On Principal Intern, the Principal Mentor’s Time Sheet and Travel Form, and a $35.00 cashier’s check or money order, these principals will be issued the Professional Certificate for Instructional Leadership (School Principal).

Principals and Full-Time Assistant Principals Hired Prior to June 30, 2008

To ensure all principals, full-time assistant principals, and deans of students (where applicable) hired prior to June 30, 2008, have the opportunity to benefit from the mentoring aspects of KPIP, all principals, full-time assistant principals, and deans of students (where applicable) still have the opportunity to enter the KPIP program if hired prior to June 30, 2008; however, this is not a requirement. If an individual desires to participate in KPIP prior to June 30, 2008, a Confirmation of Employment (COE) must be submitted to EPSB.

For principals, full-time assistant principals, and deans of students (where applicable) hired prior to June 30, 2008 who do not wish to participate in KPIP, a Confirmation of Employment (COE) and a $50.00 cashier’s check or money order should be submitted to EPSB. Upon receipt, the Professional Certificate for Instructional Leadership (School Principal) will be issued.

However, those who choose to participate in KPIP between now and June 30 should then follow the procedures above to receive the professional certificate after July 1, 2008.

Principals and Assistant Principals Hired After June 30, 2008

For principals, assistant principals, and deans of students (where applicable) hired after June 30, 2008, simply complete and submit to EPSB the Confirmation of Employment (COE) and a $50.00 cashier’s check or money order. Upon receipt, the Professional Certificate for Instructional Leadership (School Principal) will be issued.

SOURE: EPSB email

In the interest of full disclosure, I have served for several years as a state trainer for KPIP.