The measure, SB 177, aims at giving relief to school districts to pay for teachers, staff, and programs that have been impacted by the virus. The bill also gives more flexibility to the Kentucky Board of Education, local boards of education, and principals to better address issues caused by the pandemic.
Representatives Mark Hart, Phil Pratt, Steve Riley, Scott Lewis, and Kim Banta have all been working on the issue since concerns were raised.
Pratt says his own family was instrumental in his work and advocacy for the bill.
He said, "My wife is a retired teacher, and my daughter in law is currently teaching. They have provided insight and information on some of the consequences schools could face if the General Assembly did not pass legislation giving them more flexibility. I am proud to vote in favor of this bill on behalf of all the schools, students, and teachers in my district."
Hart, who represents Harrison County, one of the first counties with a case of COVID-19, says the arrival of the virus in his district made him consider the importance of a relief bill for the commonwealth.
"The COVID-19 virus has dramatically shifted our educational landscape in ways we could have never planned for," Hart said. "In a time of unprecedented uncertainty, it is important that schools and educators are not penalized for taking the necessary and responsible precautions to keep students and staff safe. We want to provide all the relief we can during this outbreak. I would like to thank Pendleton Superintendent Joe Buerkley and Harrison Superintendent Harry Burchett for their help with this much needed legislation."
The measure would give the Commissioner of Education the power to waive required instructional hours if those hours are not met by June 12. Under the current law, schools within Kentucky are required to have 1,062 instructional hours each school year. With schools being closed indefinitely, many districts are unable to meet the requirement. The bill will also allow for instruction through virtual schools to count towards instruction hours, which has become important for counties throughout the state.
The bill also grants any local board of education the power to allow their employees to receive 30-days of emergency leave. The employees would be granted this leave if the local board determines it necessary in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The legislation also directs the Kentucky Department of Education to seek out federal waivers to allow school districts to be reimbursed for any meals they are serving to students during this time. It will also reduce some regulations, like time restrictions between meals, to allow schools to better serve students who do not have access to food otherwise.
According to Feeding America, eighteen percent of Kentucky students are considered food insecure.
The Kentucky Board of Education would also be able to waive requirements of the statewide Assessment and Accountability System in accordance with federal guidelines that may be issued in the coming days and weeks. The bill also allows a principal to grant a student educational enhancement days for students who may need those requirements for college, or military service.
You can find additional information on this bill at the link below.
On the Net:
Kentucky Legislature
