State Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, has filed a bill aimed at increasing transparency in Kentucky’s public school systems and giving taxpayers clearer insight into how education dollars are budgeted, spent and reported.
Given the priority designation of Senate Bill 3, it strengthens financial transparency requirements for local school districts by expanding public access to budget documents, financial reports and spending information. The legislation ensures that school boards and superintendents provide more detailed, timely and accessible financial disclosures so parents, taxpayers and community members can better understand how local education dollars are managed.
“Families deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent in our school systems,” Tichenor said. “Senate Bill 3 is about accountability, transparency, and trust. When we ask Kentuckians to invest in education, they should have clear, consistent access to the financial information that shows where those dollars are going.”
Under the bill, school districts would be required to publish key financial documents including budget proposals, monthly financial reports, vendor payments and audit information on their websites in a clear and easily accessible format. SB 3 also establishes clearer timelines for budget development, public meetings, and financial reporting to ensure transparency occurs before major spending decisions are finalized, not after the fact.
Recent budget deficits in Kentucky’s largest school districts, in Jefferson and Fayette counties have demonstrated the need for stronger transparency and fiscal oversight. By reinforcing public notice requirements and standardizing how financial information is presented statewide, the legislation helps ensure parents and taxpayers have a clear, consistent understanding of how public education dollars are being managed across the state.
Tichenor emphasized that the measure does not restrict local decision-making but empowers communities with better information.
“This bill respects local control while making sure transparency is not optional,” Tichenor added. “Greater openness leads to better decision-making, stronger public confidence and more responsible use of taxpayer dollars.”
The legislation has not been assigned to a committee.
State Sen. Lindsey Tichenor filed a bill to increase transparency in Kentucky's public school systems. (LRC photo) Hargis David Michael
