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HB 449 makes changes to school board candidacy filings, training and more

Kentucky School Advocate
May 2024

By John Powell
KSBA Staff Attorney

Of the roughly 1,700 bills and resolutions filed during the 2024 legislative session, at least one directly impacts responsibilities of school board members. House Bill 449 make changes to board candidate filing, school board training requirements and conduct provisions. 

What does the passage of HB 449 mean for the number of state-mandated board training hours I have to earn each year?

The bill does not change the total number of hours of state-mandated training a board member must earn each year, but it does create more flexibility for the topical requirements. 

HB 449 requires that school board members with less than two consecutive years of service obtain “three (3) hours of finance and one (1) hour of superintendent evaluation [training] within the first two (2) years of service.” So, experienced school board members will no longer be required to earn training in finance and superintendent evaluation every year. 

Board members will still be required to earn an hour of ethics training each year. The bill adds that board members must receive one hour of open meetings/open records training “within the first twelve (12) months of initial service and at least once every four (4) years thereafter.” That’s essentially one hour every full term in office. 

How does HB 449 change the filing process for those seeking (re)election to a school board seat?

HB 449 makes a welcome improvement for those filing to run for school board. The bill allows county clerks to accept affidavits from school board candidates affirming completion of 12th grade as an alternative to requiring official high school transcripts. This removes a potential burden for candidates who are unable to secure their high school transcripts due to things such as school closures, lost/mishandled records, moving to Kentucky from out of state/country.  

Anything else I should know about HB 449?

The bill clarifies and expands on the reasons for which a school board member may be subject to removal from office. This includes felony conviction, misappropriation of funds or property or malfeasance. This represents a minor change, as these offenses are arguably already included in the current law prohibiting school board members from doing “anything that would render him ineligible for reelection.” See KRS 160.180(3). 

Lastly, the bill does change some language of the oaths administered to school board members when they are being sworn in. See KRS 160.170.

When do these changes in law go into effect?

According to the Office of the Attorney General, this law goes into effect July 15. See OAG 24-04. Stay tuned to KSBA member communications for more information on state-mandated board training requirements for the remainder of 2024. 


Curious about how other legislation passed in 2024 will impact board policy and district operations? Register for KSBA’s 2024 Federal and State Law Update virtual conference from 9 a.m. until noon (ET) on June 6. Learn more at ksba.org/LawUpdate.aspx.

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