KSBA Aware - News from the Kentucky School Boards Association

March 25, 2020

In this issue:

Coronavirus update
KBE hires commissioner search firm
Legislature back in session Thursday
April Kentucky School Advocate now online
Poll question
Upcoming dates, deadlines and events

Coronavirus updates

In-person instruction on hold through April 20

During a March 20 superintendent conference call, Gov. Andy Beshear recommended that all Kentucky schools remain closed to in-person instruction until at least April 20, and that schools, districts and families should prepare for closures beyond that date as part of aggressive measures to mitigate the ongoing spread of COVID-19. Interim Education Commissioner Kevin Brown reiterated the importance of closures and asked districts to prepare enough Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) materials for six-weeks -- until May 1.

K-PREP testing canceled

The Kentucky Department of Education submitted a waiver to the U.S. Department of Education (USED) last week to waive the 2019-20 K-PREP testing. USED has granted the waiver.

“I hope this will help ease some of the anxiety being felt among our families and our teachers,” Interim Commissioner Kevin Brown said in a release. “I want our teachers and schools to concentrate on providing a great education to their students through the NTI Program rather than worry about standardized testing. Let’s end this year strong despite the extra stress COVID-19 has placed on all of us.”

Gov. Andy Beshear signs SB 177 into law. Photo courtesy: Gov. Andy Beshear

Governor signs bill giving districts more flexibility during emergency

The General Assembly recently passed Senate Bill 177 , known as the COVID-19 school relief bill. Gov. Andy Beshear signed the bill into law March 24 and it takes effect immediately. The legislation addresses many issues facing school districts during the pandemic, granting greater flexibility for districts to address emergencies such as requesting unlimited Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days.

On the federal level, the White House and Senate leaders announced agreement Wednesday on an unparalleled, $2 trillion emergency bill to rush aid to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor provides information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to COVID-19, and its effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

Coronavirus Q&A for superintendents

A recording of Monday’s superintendents’ webcast is now available for viewing , offering a special Q&A session on school topics pertaining to COVID-19.

KSBA continues to collect COVID-19 resources pertinent to school boards, helping districts navigate changes in the wake of the current emergency. Visit our resources page for guidance as well as links to trusted state and federal agency coronavirus/COVID-19 information. As always, boards should consult with their board attorneys and finance officers on policy matters.

KBE hires commissioner search firm

The Kentucky Department of Education has hired an executive search firm to lead the search for Kentucky’s next education commissioner.

The firm, Greenwood/Asher & Associates Inc. was chosen March 18 by the Kentucky Board of Education . The $149,000 contract, which runs through June 30, was signed March 23.

Florida-based Greenwood/Asher, specializes in leading executive searches in the education arena. The firm headed up the searches for former Kentucky Education commissioners Terry Holliday and Stephen Pruitt.

Betty Asher, one of the firm’s partners, told KBE that the firm will continue its work during the current COVID-19 pandemic because the firm does much of its work online.

“We have to work a little bit harder,” Asher said. “… If we get high-quality candidates who are engaged and want to move forward in the process, I certainly think we can present everything you need.”

Legislature back in session Thursday

The General Assembly will reconvene Thursday and is anticipated to approve multiple bills. Conferees from the House and Senate have been meeting to hash out details of the state’s two-year budget.

It is not yet known when legislators plan to vote on the final product.

There are at least nine committee meetings scheduled on Thursday including the House Education Committee. The committee will meet to hear Senate Bill 174 , which would allow National Board certification to qualify for Rank II status.

The meeting will take place after the House ends its chamber session on Thursday.

April Kentucky School Advocate now online

Closed buildings, open schools

Despite the unprecedented closure of all Kentucky P-12 classrooms, schools and districts are finding ways to reach their students. Educators create online lessons and hold video chats that allow both teachers and students to connect. In otherwise empty school buildings across the state, staff spend hours preparing breakfast and lunches for all students who want it. The April Advocate explores this new normal in Kentucky public schools.