November 2017
FramedThe first step toward pension reform was made Oct. 18, when the governor and GOP legislative leaders unveiled their framework. Some of KSBA’s concerns were alleviated, but there are still fuzzy areas to be filled in.
School boards and advocacy:
Beyond local issuesForums aren’t just for nickel taxes anymore. Some school districts this fall moved beyond the traditional tax and facility issues to host local platforms to air their concerns to legislators about pension reform.
A regional approachDistricts in the northern Kentucky region have found strength in numbers as they work together to present a united front when talking to legislators about education issues.
Ply them with breakfastFor more than 20 years, Bath County Schools has been hosting a legislative breakfast for local leaders in Bath and surrounding counties. Legislators get to talk – and listen – in a setting designed to put them at ease.
But wait, there’s more Check these regular features: Advocacy tips from a board member in “
In Conversation With”; advice from KSBA’s lobbyist on advocating in multiple venues in “
Trending Now”; and inspiration from our “
President’s Perspective.”
Charter school headlinerWith the Kentucky Board of Education’s passage of charter school regulations, school board members will want to learn more about their role as authorizers. Earl Simms, the state education department’s point person on charters, is expected to draw a crowd at this year’s Winter Symposium, Dec. 1–2.
Equity effort continuesA newly formed KSBA Equity Cadre will carry on the recently completed work of the association’s Gap Closure Project. The panel held its first session to discuss ways to be a resource on equity issues to school boards statewide.