GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Superintendents across Kentucky came together Wednesday morning in Scott County to discuss the depth of House Bill 6.

What You Need To Know

  • Academic leaders said proposed legislation could affect school systems' abilities and instruction

  • House Bill 6 lays out budget plans for the next two school years

  • Superintendents shared concerns about teacher compensation and funding for some school systems around the state

  • Lawmakers are set to discuss HB 6 in the state Senate

Scott County Schools superintendent Billy Parker opened up Elkhorn Crossing School for leaders to discuss the statewide budget plan. Leaders said it has been challenging to digest.

“It provides record investments in the teacher retirement system,” Parker said.

Funding increases for three other components include the Seeing Education Excellence in Kentucky program (SEEK). Tier one includes property assessment, growth plan and transportation.  

However, leaders said while these plans are a collective raise, the funds drop the following year. 

“We are indeed being provided more funding, but it was an increase in year one with a decrease in year two,” Parker said. 

He said while looking to improve the overall SEEK base can be helpful to one school system, it could pose a challenge for others and highlight issues already present.

Something they are concerned about is proper teacher compensation. Leaders said some schools will not be able to allocate raises for staff through both years.

Other concerns include dealing with the teacher shortage crisis, retaining teachers in the state and proper certifications for instructors.

“We're missing some spots," said Sarah Wasson, Powell County Schools superintendent. "We've got three positions right now that we've served almost all year long because we can't find certified teachers to put in those spots." 

They also are worried about filling an equity gap between smaller and/or under-funded schools compared to their counterparts. 

“That gap continues to grow, which makes it harder for us to provide those opportunities for our students," said Charlie Brock, Estill County Schools superintendent. "And it's not fair to my students or to the students of property, poor districts that we don't have the funding to provide them the same opportunities there are in other places in the state.”

Parker said while the budget affects each school system differently, they hope these concerns reach lawmakers before further decisions. 

Superintendents said without recurring funds, some school systems could otherwise rely on their community’s property taxes and more for support. That could be around 60% for Scott County.

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