Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence

09/24/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Susannah Kilbourne of Fern Creek High School, one of the Edward F. Prichard, Jr.; Dr. Lee Kirkpatrick;
Miss Zerelda Noland Outstanding High School Teacher prize finalists. The Prichard Committee's Shawn Lyons presented Dr. Kilbourne with her certificate during a faculty meeting this week.

Learn more about the teacher prize here: https://prichardcommittee.org/outstanding-high-school-teacher-award/

09/21/2026

Congratulations to Prichard Committee Member John Justice on this well-deserved honor.

Southeast Kentucky Chamber Annual Awards 2026Congratulations once ...

09/21/2026

The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, presents Kentuckians with an opportunity to fund learning experiences in public K-12 schools in a new way. Join us for a strategy meeting on building a statewide approach to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) for Kentucky’s public-school students and families.

This meeting will build a shared understanding of the opportunity presented by the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, outline what we know about how the credit can be implemented, and begin to address ways in which the credit can be implemented for broadest impact. This will be a working meeting where your participation is valued. Families, educators, school and district leaders, and community partners are encouraged to join us!

Find more background on the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, see the meeting agenda and register here: https://prichardcommittee.org/the-federal-scholarship-tax-credit/

09/14/2026

Are you curious about the impact of the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit on public K-12 schools? Do you want to be a part of building the strategy to benefit all Kentucky students?

We are holding a session on building a statewide approach to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) for public school students in Kentucky on October 2, 2026 from 10 am - 3 pm in Lexington. Please note the date has changed!

Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/46yDm9v

09/11/2026

Our Strong Start Coalition gathered in Frankfort yesterday for an in-depth exploration of Early Childhood Governance. They heard from national policy experts and dug into innovative strategies from other states.

Thank you to our panel of state leaders, including Liz McQuillen of Metro United Way and Rep. Mike Clines, who helped us explore what this could mean for Kentucky, and how we can lay the foundation for a thriving mixed-delivery system of early care and education.

Learn more about the Strong Start Coalition: http://prichardcommittee.org/strongstartky/

09/10/2026

Do you know a high school student or young person that has participated in a high school alternative program? Nominate them now to join the Kentucky High School Alternatives Student Advisory Council!

Who We’re Looking For

Too often, decisions about alternative education are made about young people without ever being made with them. The Student Advisory Group exists to change that. Members won't just share their stories, they'll help shape the questions we ask, review what we're learning, and advise on the recommendations we bring to policymakers.

Students that have participated in high school alternatives are the experts on their own experience. That expertise belongs at the table. This is an opportunity to share their perspectives on what quality, support, and success should look like in high school alternative education program settings.

We're recruiting young Kentuckians, roughly ages 16 - 24, who:

- Have attended (or are currently attending) an alternative school or program‚ including district-operated programs, state agency settings, virtual or credit-recovery programs, GED/adult education, or similar pathways;

- May have experienced disruptions to a traditional high school path, for example, disconnection from school, re-engagement after leaving, or navigating school alongside significant life challenges;

- Are willing to share honest perspectives and think about how systems could work better for the students who come after them.

What counts as an alternative education program: Kentucky law describes it as a program for students whose needs aren't fully met in a traditional classroom setting. In other words, if you attend (or attended) a school designed to support students differently than a traditional classroom, even if it's called something like a "Specialized Choice School" or "Specialized Program" instead of "alternative", you probably qualify.

(Career/technical centers don't count.) Full legal definition: KRS 160.380.

Nomination deadline: Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Questions can be directed to Delaney Stephens at [email protected].

Nomination form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JJSZ9PW

09/10/2026

Dr. Amber Sergent, 2026

09/08/2026

Join us November 16 in Shelbyville for the annual Groundswell Summit!

Focused on family and community engagement in education, the Groundswell Summit celebrates place-based work happening across Kentucky and highlights partnerships that support student success. Educators, parents, community leaders and education champions from across Kentucky are invited to attend.

Register: https://prichardcommittee.org/groundswell-summit/

09/03/2026

7 questions every school board candidate should be prepared to answer…

Nearly half of Kentucky's 857 local school board seats are up for election this fall. There are seven questions voters should consider asking their school board candidates (and candidates should be prepared to answer). Go straight to the comments to view all seven questions and to get the link to KSBA’s 2026 School Board Election Voter Resources page.

Cossba Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence Kentucky Department of Education