Kentucky School Advocate
June 2021

Staff report

Just two months after school board members and administrators gathered for a delayed in-person Annual Conference, it’s almost time for KSBA’s Summer Leadership Institute on July 16 and 17.

Last year, the summer conference was held virtually for the first time, but this year it will once again be held in person at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington. The second in-person conference in two months will be packed with interesting general session speakers and informative breakout sessions to help Kentucky’s 857 locally elected board members meet their state-mandated training requirements.

Because Gov. Andy Beshear has said he will lift all remaining COVID-19 restrictions on June 11, KSBA’s Board Team Development Director Laura Cole says this year’s Institute will look and feel normal.

“We are excited to be able to gather without mask requirements or social distancing, which will allow our members to network and learn together in a more intimate setting,” she said.

The Institute will open with a groundswell. Prichard Committee President and CEO Brigette Blom Ramsey and Gallatin County board member Becky Burgett will share the committee’s work to build a groundswell of citizens who are deeply engaged in implementing innovative local solutions that foster the success of Kentucky’s public schools and therefore Kentucky’s economic prosperity.

Hear about how the Prichard Committee is at the table with policymakers to rebuild our state’s education foundation, so that Kentucky can deliver excellence with equity for a “Big Bold Future.”

On Saturday, Kentucky Department of Education Associate Commissioner Robin Kinney will help explain the federal coronavirus relief money coming to Kentucky school districts, how it can be used and what districts must do to qualify for the most recent round of funding in the American Rescue Plan.

Board members will be able to earn 10 hours of credit during the event. The Institute will begin July 16 with the opportunity to attend three bonus sessions before the opening session kicks off at 7 p.m. The conference will resume at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with a plenary session followed by three blocks of breakout sessions, a networking lunch and time to visit with our partners in the exhibitor area.

For more information and to register, visit KSBA’s website.