KSBA Aware - News from the Kentucky School Boards Association

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May 10, 2023

In this issue:

OEA survey due Thursday
Three SRO programs win KCSS recognition
KSBA raises thousands for student scholarships and grants
June webinar walks boards through superintendent searches
Register now for KSBA's annual Law Update
Superintendent search alert
May Kentucky School Advocate available online
Upcoming dates, deadlines and events

OEA survey due Thursday

The Office of Education Accountability (OEA) is conducting a survey on staff shortages for its 2023 research agenda.

The survey links have been sent to all superintendents, A1 school principals and a sample of teachers. Please be sure to fill out the survey if you have received the link.

The deadline has been extended to May 11. If you have not received the survey email, please check your spam folder. If you have any questions or concerns about the survey, email Sabrina Cummins at OEA or call 502-564-8167.

Three SRO programs win KCSS recognition

The Kentucky Center for School Safety (KCSS) and the Kentucky Association of School Resource Officers (KYASRO) asked districts to apply to be recognized as a Kentucky SRO Promising Program.

The districts were asked to submit details about their school resource officer (SRO) programs and the two organizations then judged the submissions based on how the district and local community collaborate with SROs to promote safe and secure learning environments.

“SROs are part of the fiber of a school community. They serve as mentors, teachers and protectors of our students,” said Jon Akers, executive director of KCSS.

KCSS and KYASRO designated three districts as SRO Promising Programs:

Anderson County Schools
Hardin County Schools
McCracken County Schools

Each district received $1,000 as part of the designation.

Photo: McCracken County Superintendent Steve Carter (left) accepts the award from KCSS Executive Director John Akers (second from left). Provided by McCracken County Schools

KSBA raises thousands for student scholarships and grants

KSBA and the KSBA Educational Foundation wrapped another successful Kentucky Gives Day on Tuesday, May 9. We are grateful to the many members, community partners and friends who made a gift in support of KSBA’s First Degree College Scholarship and CTE Student Grant programs for Kentucky high school students. While an official fundraising total is still being tabulated, thousands of dollars were raised – all of which will help students pursue promising careers and postsecondary pathways.

Even though #KyGives23 has come and gone, we are still accepting gifts made to the KSBA Educational Foundation. Join us in supporting student success! You can make your gift in one of two ways:

Before week’s end, visit KSBA’s #KyGives23 page to make your gift online.
Mail a check made payable to the KSBA Educational Foundation to KSBA, 260 Democrat Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601.

An official fundraising total for Kentucky Gives Day will be unveiled in the days ahead. KSBA is grateful for all the many ways you support Kentucky’s public school students!

Webinar walks boards through the superintendent searches

For the June installment of our 2023 Learn and Earn webinar series, KSBA presents, “Be prepared: If your superintendent left, would you know how to fill the job?” Join us Wednesday, June 14 as former superintendent and KSBA Superintendent Search Consultant Don Martin weighs in on one of the most important decisions with which every school board is eventually faced. This session provides practical insights all boards should know long before they are required to fill a superintendent vacancy, including statutes and regulations, timelines and considerations in undertaking a search, and developing a contract.

Other upcoming Learn and Earn webinars:

July 12 - Senate Bill 9 (2022): The Read to Succeed Act’s implementation and initiatives
Aug. 9 - KSBA’s eMeeting service: Its value to boards and SBDM councils

See descriptions and online registration for these and other upcoming Learn and Earn webinars.

Sessions are from noon – 1 p.m. (ET) on the second Wednesday of each month at a cost of $50 per session. Pre-registration is required. All Learn and Earn webinars count for one hour of school board training credit. While information is presented through the lens of school board service, some topics may be relevant to district administrators and other education stakeholders. All are welcome to participate.

KSBA’s 2023 Federal and State Law Update will be held virtually from 9 a.m. until noon (ET) on Thursday, June 8. This training is recommended for school board members, superintendents, assistant superintendents, board attorneys, school/district administrators, finance officers, etc. The agenda, presented by knowledgeable KSBA attorneys and policy staff, includes an in-depth legislative session recap, board policy and procedure updates, recent Open Meetings and Open Records decisions, case law developments and federal updates.

Participants are eligible for three hours of training credit (state-mandated board training, CLE* and EILA). For board members, the training qualifies for Level IV/V elective credit in KSBA's Academy of Studies. The registration fee for this virtual event is $200.

View/download an informational flyer for the event, including schedule and presenters.

Questions? Contact training@ksba.org.

*CLE approval requested

Superintendent search alert

KSBA's Superintendent Search Service is currently facilitating a search in the following districts. Click the district name to be directed to the position posting.

Wayne County Schools

Application deadline: June 7

Russellville Independent Schools

Application deadline: June 9