Properly handling unemployment claims, staying abreast of Kentucky’s unemployment regulations and preparing for adjudicated hearings requires special knowledge and experience. That is why 169 districts and three educational cooperatives in Kentucky rely on the KSBA Unemployment Program to assist them in dealing with these issues. KSBA will assist your district in responding to initial claims, protesting unfavorable determinations and preparing for appeals if necessary.
This KSBA service is managed by professionals with more than 25 years of combined experience in claims management and quarterly wage reporting. Whether this involves ensuring that benefits paid do not exceed awarded amounts, a protest of termination or a negative state agency determination, our Unemployment Benefit Program will get the best answers and options for participating districts. And that includes access to KSBA’s staff attorneys well-versed in school personnel issues.
Other benefits of the program include:
- Districts pay based upon only their claims.
- Refunds of contributions not required to cover claims and administrative expenses.
- Separate unemployment fund, audited annually with individual district/entity accounts.
- Neutral, third-party review of what constitutes an eligible claim.
- Quarterly analysis of claims.
- Quarterly payroll data reviews.
- Ongoing claims tracking to monitor eligibility.
- Investments managed by an independent investment adviser.
Questions may be directed to Leah Herrera, KSBA chief financial officer, at 1-800-372-2962 or
by email.
Unemployment Program Board of Trustees
KSBA’s Unemployment Program is governed by a nine-member board of trustees comprised of school board members, superintendents and school business officers – all appointed by KSBA’s board of directors. Trustees are responsible for the supervision and management of the program including (but not limited to): review of financial performance, appointment of an outside auditor and review of audit reports, oversight of investments and review of annual participant refunds and deficit billings. Trustees participate in quarterly meetings, traditionally conducted virtually.
Unemployment Program Board of Trustees
Pamela Morehead, Chair
KSBA President
Eminence Independent, Board Member
Jeremy Luckett, Vice Chair
KSBA President-elect
Owensboro Independent, Board Member
Karen Byrd, Past Chair
KSBA Immediate-past President
Boone County, Board Member
Amanda Abell
KASS Representative
Caverna Independent, Superintendent
Larry Begley
KASS Representative
Bourbon County, Superintendent
Thomas Steven Bland
Hardin County, Board member
Paul Forester
Edmonson County, Board Member
Jennifer Kantner
Franklin County, Board Member
Kristi Ward - - Nominee
KASBO Representative
Beechwood Independent, Finance Officer