“In the 33 districts I’m visiting this year, with our new science assessments rolling out, I’m going to see science at all grades, especially nontested years. It’s not going to be walk through, high-five the kids and the teacher and leave. I’m going in for a half an hour. I’m not sure they know (the visits) are a double whammy. It’s not just the commissioner coming in. It’s somebody who knows a little bit about what good science instruction looks like.” Education Commissioner Stephen L. Pruitt to the Kentucky Board of Education on a different approach he will take in 2017 when visiting schools across the state. From the Frankfort KSBA eNews Service.
Click here for full story
“We’ve all learned more about that equipment than we ever wanted to know.” Burgin Independent Board of Education Chairman Bob Clark after a discussion about the need to replace the district’s ailing solid waste grinder. From the Harrodsburg Herald. Click here for full story
“It was a bad email that a very good employee sent. Schools have always had access to all applicants and the hiring of school-based staff has always complied with KRS 160.345. It takes a lot of work to do the screening. The email described our systems, but then went further and this is where the issue arose. As a district, we have taken the necessary steps to be in full compliance with OEA.” Boyle County Schools Superintendent Mike LaFavers on an Office of Education Accountability determination that an interoffice email on how school vacancies were filled circumvented school council authority on such matters. From the Danville
Advocate-Messenger.
Click here for full story
“It gives accountability back to the superintendents and the school board. The superintendents are held accountable to the taxpayers, but we don’t give the superintendents the tools that they need. So we have a dysfunctional system that’s not accountable to the public.” Sen. John Schickel (R-Union) on his plans to try again to get the legislature to return some school-level authority from site-based decision making councils to superintendents, as was the case prior to the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990. From the Bowling Green Daily News. Click here for full story
“The data retreat was time well spent, as school leaders from across the district were given the opportunity to exchange ideas, and to support one another. The work done over these three days will greatly benefit our students.” McCreary County Schools Superintendent Mike Cash on a day-long workshop assisted by staff of the Southeast/South-Central Educational Cooperative to develop state-mandated school and district improvement plans. From the Whitley City McCreary Voice. Click here for full story
“It’s not a board decision; it’s a community decision.” Crittenden County Board of Education member Bill Asbridge on the possibility of building a new high school, which would require a tax increase to sufficiently boost the district’s bonding potential. From the Marion
Crittenden Press.
Click here for full story
“I can’t express enough my gratitude to our chamber businesses for stepping up and donating their time and services to help our school systems. These first three months have been absolutely inspiring. I believe this program will grow and become a highlight of our community.” Paris-Bourbon County Chamber of Commerce Director Debra Hammelback on a community initiative in which business owners/personnel talk about career opportunities to students of Bourbon County and Paris Independent schools. From the Paris Bourbon County Citizen. Click here for full story