Kentucky Board of Education Discusses Testing, Leadership and Legislation

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) – At its regular meeting Tuesday and Wednesday, the Kentucky Board of Education heard presentations, had in-depth discussions and made decisions on a number of items.

Board members agreed to formally accept the position paper on assessment and accountability, which outlines the direction for the next generation of the state’s public school testing and accountability system.

The board heard a presentation on the Harvard Executive Leadership Project, which involves the Boone, Daviess, Jefferson and Kenton County school districts.

To recognize the contributions of former Education Commissioner Jon E. Draud to Kentucky’s public education system, the board approved a resolution in his honor and presented him with commemorative gifts.

Other reports and presentations included:

• the status of the Covington Independent and Union County school and district support plans
• an update on Kentucky’s adolescent literacy plan
• 2009 elementary and secondary education legislation
• 2010-2012 biennial budget

The board took the following actions:

• agreed to approve the continued removal, by razing, of Lee Hall on the campus of the Kentucky School for the Deaf and the declaration of two additional land parcels on campus as surplus property
• approved revisions to state regulations related to nutrition and health services
• agreed to grant waivers of the March 1 deadline for allocations to school councils
• agreed to rescind the declaration of emergency for the Covington Independent school district, based on the district’s improved financial health
• gave final approval to 702 KAR 4:160, the state regulation related to the capital construction process
• gave final approval to 702 KAR 7:065, the state regulation related to interscholastic athletics; includes changes to the Kentucky High School Athletics Association’s constitution, bylaws and tournament rules
• approved district facility plans for Fayette, Lincoln, Mercer, Muhlenberg and Powell counties
• approved local district tax rates levied for Boyd, Green and Martin counties
• agreed to hold items on the board’s legislative agenda related to high school dropouts until full implementation of a nationwide graduation rate calculation occurs

The board also discussed the criteria for the next commissioner of education. In general, the board will seek candidates who have led large organizations, demonstrate a vision of high-quality education, understand Kentucky’s culture and environment, demonstrate a commitment to producing measurable results in low-performing schools, have a proven record of addressing achievement gap issues and more.

The board plans to interview search firm candidates on March 5 in Louisville.

The board’s next regular meeting will be March 4 at the Kentucky School for the Blind in Louisville. More information about the board is available here.

SOURCE: KDE press release