Make connections

“How Kentucky funds schools is complex, not only the SEEK formula but everything outside of that basic formula,” Kennedy said. “We saw this past session where there became a pointed argument between legislators and education advocates about what are the facts.” 

Some legislators contended that education spending was at its highest level, while education advocates pointed out that there was actually a decrease when the dollars were adjusted for inflation. 

“Because it’s complex we have to come to the common understanding that it’s more than just one dollar amount,” he said. “If we can get there amongst ourselves and with the legislators, then we can help to show that we can’t have the same impact in classroom learning at this level of funding versus what we had in the past.” 

To help legislators understand the reality of school funding, Kennedy encouraged board members to invite them to all board meetings where the budget is discussed. 

“It’s completely appropriate for you to invite a legislator to come listen to one of the discussions where you pull up the budget report and look at it,” he said.