FRANKFORT, Ky. — What does the future of education look like in Kentucky? That’s a question lawmakers are looking to address as they consider sweeping reforms next year.

“We as policymakers and systems are still failing some students,” Sen. David Givens (R-Greensburg) said.

Kentucky has funded schools through the SEEK formula for three decades and a task force of lawmakers has been meeting the last several months to figure out if that formula needs to change. 

“And we’re trying to look at that disparity,” Rep. David Meade (R-Stanford) said. “Why do some districts have plenty of money? Why are some struggling? Why are some suffering?”

Meade joined Givens during the Kentucky Education Summit to talk about what’s ahead for lawmakers next year. The agenda includes building on what they did this year like funding for full-day kindergarten.

“We became only the 13th state in the nation to fund all-day kindergarten and so our hope is so we can continue with that,” Meade said.

During the same conference, Gov. Andy Beshear said he plans to push for increased education spending across the board next year, including raises for teachers.

“The most important investment we can make is in you,” Beshear said. “I continue to believe that all of our educators in Kentucky are underpaid and it’s far past time for a raise.”

Lawmakers have been discussing other ways to make funding more equitable and to make sure districts with lower property tax revenues are receiving enough money.  

Givens said there are other ways to boost student success, too, like expanding internet access in rural areas.  

“Broadband access and investment. There’s a direct correlation between property values and high-speed internet access, so there’s lots of other ways to attack that problem,” he said. “No single silver bullet’s gonna be the answer, but multiple approaches will be the answer.”