Transcript Highlights:

• Today we're shifting our focus and concentrating on our classroom teachers and, in particular, looking
• at the impact that the classroom teacher and other instructional personnel salary increase allocation
• teachers by specifically focusing... ...and retention of classroom teachers by specifically focusing
• on elevating the minimum base salary for all classroom teachers to at least $47,500.
• So what has been the result of the Legislature's investment in our state's classroom teachers?

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum present and focused primarily on the classroom teacher and other instructional personnel salary increase allocation. The chair reviewed how the recurring allocation, first established in fiscal year 2021, has grown to $1.4 billion and was intended to help districts and charter schools raise minimum base teacher salaries to at least $47,500. The chair noted that districts must submit distribution plans and annual expenditure reports, and said six districts were still at impasse for the current year, with a possible seventh. The chair presented data showing the allocation’s impact over five years: only one district met the $47,500 minimum in 2021, while 54 of 67 districts did so by the end of fiscal year 2024-25. Liberty County’s minimum base salary rose from $32,237 to $44,155, and several districts saw increases of roughly $14,000 to $19,000. Members also noted that some districts remain just below the target and may have reached it after the latest funding increase. Members discussed concerns about salary compression and veteran teachers, with Ranking Member Gantt saying experienced teachers often earn only slightly more than new hires and asking for more data on the issue. The chair responded that the allocation can be used not only for starting salaries but also, in some years, for broader compensation increases and raises for teachers with two or more years of experience. Representative Nix asked about a possible study on compression, and Representative Daniels emphasized that the committee should recognize the progress already made while continuing to improve teacher pay. The meeting then briefly turned to fiscal year 2026-27 budget issues, and the chair said budget recommendations had been submitted before the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we asked you in the classroom?"
• , challenges adjusting to the classroom, challenges adjusting to the classroom, very<01:36:01.440
• So, that was one of our classroom.
• the regular classroom. the regular classroom.
• the classroom. So, it's not just that. the classroom. So, it's not just that.

Keywords: 0:00:03 - Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:43 - Approval of October 14, 2025 and November 4, 2025 Minutes 0:01:15 - Acceptance of Office of Education Accountability Report: Analysis Of Student Discipline Data in Kentucky Schools 0:02:10 - Implementation Update on 26 RS HB 257 0:49:38 - Career and Technical Education in the Assessment and Accountability System 1:13:50 - Office of Education Accountability Annual Report 1:47:27 – Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Education Assessment & Accountability Review Subcommittee approved the minutes from its October 14 and November 4 meetings and also approved the Office of Education Accountability report analyzing student discipline data in Kentucky schools. The main presentation came from KDE Commissioner Dr. Robby Fletcher on implementation of House Bill 257, which he said has two major parts: selection of a statewide college entrance exam through a new procurement process, and development of locally designed indicators of quality for accountability. On the college exam, Fletcher explained that the state had to reopen procurement after Senate Bill 197, with the RFP released May 21, vendor questions handled through the Finance and Administration Cabinet, proposals due June 22, and scoring and review expected in July and August, with a vendor decision not likely until October. He emphasized that the exam is a norm-referenced college-readiness measure, not a test of Kentucky academic standards, which are assessed by the KSA. Members asked about the science requirement in statute, the possibility of multiple vendors or district choice, and whether the CLT could participate; Fletcher said vendors must address science in the RFP, multiple vendors could be possible, and any vendor could submit a proposal if it meets the rubric. He also noted that ACT and SAT differ in structure, that either can meet college-readiness benchmarks, and that there were no major complaints about the SAT during its first year of use. The second major topic was the locally developed indicators of quality under House Bill 257. Fletcher said these are intended to let districts measure themselves against their own goals rather than compare districts statewide, while still aligning with Kentucky standards. He described examples such as achievement, growth, student well-being, safety, fiscal responsibility, civics, internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning, and defenses of learning. He said districts may use local assessments such as MAP, STAR, and I-Ready alongside state data, and that local models should be developed with families, community members, and workforce partners. He added that KDE is providing technical assistance, has applied for a federal CGSA grant, and will use a one-time $15,000 cost offset for districts implementing local accountability models, with a superintendent webcast planned for August.

Transcript Highlights:

• > priorities<00:02:38.080> while align with classroom priorities while align with classroom
• <00:03:14.720> teachers increase provided to classroom teachers increase provided to classroom
• Classroom teachers are why this matters.
• classroom. We need to value that school. classroom. We need to value that school.
• So focusing on the classroom.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Senator Julie Rocky Adams, which would prohibit school administrators from receiving a percentage pay increase greater than the average percentage increase given to classroom teachers in the same district. Supporters said the bill is intended to keep teacher pay from falling behind, promote fairness and transparency, and preserve local control through existing waiver options. Senators Thomas, Higdon, Givens, Neal, Williams, and others generally supported the bill, while Senator Meredith raised concerns about unintended consequences for rural districts and the ability to retain principals and other talent quickly enough through the waiver process. The sponsor and others responded that the waiver process is standardized and expedited, and that normal raises would not be affected. SB 2 was adopted unanimously with favorable expression. The committee then took up Senate Bill 4 on school leadership, with a committee substitute changing a reference from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce to the Kentucky Chamber Foundation. Senator West explained that the bill is designed to create a coordinated five-year principal leadership pipeline, based on research suggesting that school leadership is a major factor in teacher retention and school success. The first two years would be KDE-run foundational training and mentorship, followed by a gap year, then a public-private partnership year with the Chamber/Truist program, and finally a fifth year of advanced training through approved providers such as Western Kentucky University or KASA. West said the goal is to extend principals’ tenure and improve leadership quality statewide. Ashley Watts of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce testified that the Chamber Foundation has run the Leadership Institute for School Principals since 2011, sending 641 principals from 112 counties through the program at a business-funded cost of more than $4.4 million. She said the program has reached about 3 million students and produces measurable school improvement. Henderson County Superintendent Bob Lawson said the program has been valuable in his district and emphasized the heavy workload and leadership demands placed on principals. The discussion continued with testimony about the importance of principal leadership and the need to invest in it, but no final vote on SB 4 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know that that affects them in the classroom.
• Not something in the classroom.
• I use a lot of one-on-one at first in my classroom.
• I use a lot of one-on-one at first in my classroom.
• It would be helpful in the classroom with the child.

Summary: The committee approved the March 9 and 10 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Arkansas Department of Education on the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship, featuring three third-grade teachers from Cabot, Poyen, and Drew Central who are also teacher merit pay recipients. The teachers described the fellowship as a year-long Zoom-based collaboration with about 23 educators statewide, focused on sharing classroom strategies, data use, and professional support. Members asked about the teachers’ experience, how they share what they learn with their districts, the range of grades represented in the fellowship, and the relationship between the fellowship and merit pay. The teachers emphasized building relationships with students, using data to drive instruction, early intervention, and collaboration across grade levels, while the secretary said the program is intended to identify and elevate high-performing teachers and spread their practices. A major portion of the discussion focused on third-grade reading, retention, and the new ATLAS testing system. Teachers and the secretary said students are screened and progress monitored throughout the year, families are notified early if students are at risk, and schools are using interventions, tutoring, and individualized reading plans. They said ATLAS results are now available much faster than in the past, often within 24 hours or a few days, allowing teachers and parents to respond quickly. Members asked about the impact of poverty, trauma, foster care, DHS involvement, IEPs, and critical shortage areas; teachers said relationship-building, small-group instruction, and coordination with counselors and special education staff are key. The secretary said the fellowship is a small subset of a broader merit pay program, that participation was voluntary, and that the state is trying to build a coherent system with literacy coaches, high-impact tutoring, and clearer standards rather than teaching to the test. Members also discussed broader policy issues, including the need for more positive public messaging about public education, teacher input in decision-making, and support for early childhood education. Several legislators asked whether the state should expand funding for early learning and whether more literacy or academic coaches are needed in districts that improve and then lose eligibility for state support. The secretary said the state has committed literacy coaches to D and F schools and is still working through how to sustain support as schools improve. He also said the administration would look at data and return on investment before supporting additional funding, and he encouraged legislators to help recruit eligible teachers into future fellowship cohorts. After the teacher panel concluded, the committee moved on to the adequacy resource allocation study, where Bureau of Legislative Research staff began a presentation on state and local education funding sources, categorical funds, and district spending patterns.

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, the counties and food security you know, the counties and food security groups<00:47:36.240
• We want a tracking sheet in the classroom that moves with the children.
• Our littles are not classroom students.
• They are are not classroom students.
• Who requests compromises our privacy and our safety and security.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :10:03.600> stabbing students destroying classrooms, stabbing students destroying classrooms,
• That is not classroom the next day.
• classroom. Everyone's right to learn. classroom.
• But if I'm a kid that enjoys being in the classroom with my peers and you take me out of the classroom
• <01:37:14.400> where loss. if they're in a classroom where loss. if they're in a classroom

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• schools and other child nutrition programs and also encourages integration of nutrition education into classroom
• nutrition encourages integration of nutrition education<00:16:56.079> into<00:16:56.399> classroom
• <00:16:56.880> curriculum<00:16:57.279> and education into classroom curriculum and
• education into classroom curriculum and hands-on<00:16:58.000> learning.
• This bill secures adequate funding for contributors to the egg economy who are struggling with tight

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But we're setting them both up for failure if we don't give them the instructional time in the classroom
• And in Kansas, all those things being equalized, they spend 181.5 days with students in the classroom
• They spend 181.5 days with students in the classroom.
• How can we reallocate those into the classroom?
• And so if we're starting to, if we're trending to allocating more resources outside of the classroom,

Bills: HB3622, HB3621, HB3151, HB3882, HB3661, HB4273, HB3644, HB3706, HB3708, HB2021, HB3986, HB3972

Keywords: HB3622, 2030 Census, Decennial Census, U.S. Decennial Census Revolving Fund, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Commerce Department, census preparation, federal census, state treasury fund, revolving fund, continuing fund, deemed appropriated, technology upgrades, census outreach, redistricting, population count, Title 74, OMES, State Treasurer, budgeting

Transcript Highlights:

• Our state compensates that provider with a total for the year, $20,000 for that classroom. $20,000 for
• that classroom.
• They sign the lease, they hand over the security deposit, and they start to pay.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have brought the students out of the classroom... Gervin Prep Academy.
• They have brought the students out of the classroom and into the halls of government to see how laws
• bill that we took up two years ago, which is something that's going to be very good for the water security

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And my question is on number two, the 88% on the classroom environment.
• Is that classroom environment physical environment, or is that behavior in the classroom?
• And my question is on number two, the 88% on the classroom environment.
• Is that classroom environment physical environment, or is that behavior in the classroom?
• in the classroom, or how it was defined.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we were once there in those classrooms.
• And we were once there in those classrooms.
• classrooms classrooms all<00:19:30.240> of<00:19:30.360> us<00:19:30.480> in<00
• <00:25:00.240> Mr engagement outside of the classroom Mr engagement outside of the classroom
• enam masu creates a classroom enam masu creates a classroom environment<00:26:35.440> that

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• directs the departments to create an electronic centralized education records database to be used for secure
• Foster children are more likely to require special education services, yet as a classroom teacher, in
• models in other states, including Texas, one of them, where child welfare and education agencies securely
• in other states including Texas actually is one of them where child welfare and education agency secure
• securely shared data with each other ...them, where child welfare and education agencies securely shared

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hybrid hearing focused largely on DDS-related bills, with chairs Kennedy and Livingstone outlining strict time limits, accessibility procedures, and a 5 p.m. stop to preserve ASL and CART services. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including a bill from Sen. Mike Moore to create a centralized electronic education records system for students in out-of-home placements, which supporters said would improve communication, preserve IEP continuity, and reduce missed services. Paul DePaulo also testified in support, describing the educational and justice-system harms that can follow when foster youth do not receive coordinated records and supports. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 242/S. 149, a bill to enhance standards of care for people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rep. Garballey and many advocates, parents, clinicians, and disability leaders supported the bill, saying it would require provider training, statewide standards, and better emergency department practices to reduce misdiagnosis, trauma, and unnecessary ER boarding. Testimony described sensory and communication barriers in medical settings, lack of provider training, and the need for continuing education and license-related requirements. Related testimony also supported H. 213/S. 111, which would improve access to behavioral health services for children involved with state agencies by requiring better discharge planning, coordination with hospitals and agencies, and more appropriate post-hospital placements. The committee also heard strong support for H. 256/S. 102, requiring universal changing stations in public buildings, from parents, advocates, and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Witnesses said current restroom accommodations often force unsafe or undignified changes on floors, in cars, or in inaccessible spaces, and argued the cost of adding changing stations to new or renovated buildings would be modest compared with the benefits to dignity, safety, and community access. Another major topic was H. 261/S. 155 on supported decision-making agreements for certain adults, which supporters described as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship that preserves autonomy while providing trusted support. Finally, testimony on Tommy’s bill (S. 168/H. 282) described a preventable death after a hospital discharge and urged clearer communication and training requirements for residential staff handling life-sustaining equipment; the bill was presented as a safeguard for people with disabilities relying on such equipment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know the last time that anybody set foot in a middle school classroom, but classroom management
• I don't know the last time that anybody set foot in a middle school classroom, but classroom management
• I don't know the last time that anybody set foot in a middle school classroom, but classroom management
• Uh but that middle school classroom.
• classroom management is incredibly classroom management is incredibly difficult.<00:38:02.640>

Bills: HB0159

Keywords: student rights, free expression, K-12 education, speech protection, religious views, political speech, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• invest in our women, our children, and our working families because we know that this investment will secure
• Particularly if I am a home-based child care provider and I lost my home, then number one, how do I secure
• My child care facility was like a classroom where children came to learn their letters, sounds, and numbers
• When all disasters strike, we have clear systems to help K-12 students return to their classrooms and
• routines, but our youngest children will not be able to return to their classrooms and routines. those

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Still not necessarily in a classroom.
• they aren't staying in the classroom. they aren't staying in the classroom.
• ready for our um for the the classroom. ready for our um for the the classroom.
• <00:48:31.920> And classroom for maybe eight weeks. And classroom for maybe eight weeks.
• , left the classroom, left the classroom, they<01:04:12.000> just<01:04:12.160> found

Bills: HF3635, HF3638

Keywords: teacher mobility, interstate compact, licensure, military spouses, education, teacher regulation, teacher qualifications, state sovereignty, educator licensing, paraprofessional credentials, mental health, professional development, data sharing, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That's going to be more expensive than just a classroom; you need a bay.
• The applications are piling in, but there are some districts which Homeland Security has to go after,
• We got rid of the 30-year commitment with the modular classrooms.
• We're very happy modular classrooms.
• The purpose we're talking about issues with homeland security.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting on retained education funding bills, focusing on HB 366, which concerns school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing. The chair framed the discussion broadly around whether school building aid should remain a state program, how to address limited revenues, and whether the current system should continue to prioritize debt service and the existing formula or move toward a different model such as per-pupil allocations, a dedicated fund, or a split between new construction and renovation. He also raised questions about whether leasing should be included and how to manage any new fund under current law and the school building authority structure. Representatives and department staff discussed the current backlog of applications, the age and condition of school facilities, and the possibility that large projects can consume available funding for a year while other districts go unsupported. Tim Carney of the Bureau of School Facilities introduced himself and provided technical context on the program and current debt levels. Representative Luneau argued that under the ConVal decision, the state’s responsibility includes school buildings, construction, and renovation, and that the program also serves an equity function by helping districts with less property wealth. He noted that construction and renovation have long been recognized categories and asked about leasing, which staff said is already supported in statute for charter schools and possibly CTE, with a cap of 30% of annual lease cost or $50,000. The discussion also covered CTE facilities: staff explained that capital funding for CTE centers is state-funded, that federal Carl Perkins funds cannot be used for construction, and that the current rotational capital model means only a few centers are funded each year, which may not match changing program needs. A committee studying CTE capital needs was referenced, along with concerns that the report from that work had not yet been received. Representative Papich urged the subcommittee to focus on policy, principles, and structure rather than just numbers, saying the current system produces a few winners and many districts that never receive aid. He favored a simpler, more equitable per-capita or formula-based approach, while acknowledging the need for a transition plan for projects already in the pipeline. The chair later cautioned against mixing maintenance and operations with construction and renovation, noting that operation and maintenance are already part of the adequacy formula and should not be confused with capital funding. No votes were taken during the meeting; the discussion was exploratory, with members and staff laying out competing approaches and identifying issues for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• She has also secured funding through the Office of Naval Research and Department of Defense STEM grants
• <00:06:57.240> She<00:06:57.320> has<00:06:57.440> also<00:06:57.720> secured
• She has also secured Submarine Museum.
• She has also secured funding<00:06:58.880> through<00:06:59.000> the<00:06:59.080> Office

Bills: HB1800, HB2095, HB1158, HB1518, HB1752, SCR23, SCR24, SCR25, SCR26, SCR27, SCR28, SCR29, SCR30, SCR31, SCR32, SCR33, SCR34, SCR35, SCR36, SCR37, SCR38, SCR39, SCR40, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SCR53, SCR54, SCR55, SCR56, SCR57, SCR58, SCR59, SCR60, SCR61, SCR62, SCR63, SCR64, SCR65, SCR66, SCR67, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR71, SCR72, SCR73, SCR74, SCR75, SCR76, SCR77, SCR78, SCR79, SCR80, SCR81, SCR82, SCR83, SCR84, SCR85, SCR86, SCR87, SCR88, SCR89, SCR90, SCR91, SCR92, SCR93, SCR94, SCR95, SCR96, SCR97, SCR98, SCR99, SCR100, SCR101, SCR102, SCR103, SCR104, SCR105, SCR106, SCR107, SCR108, SCR109, SCR110, SCR111, SCR112, SCR113, SCR114, SCR115, SCR116, SCR117, SCR118, SCR119, SCR120, SCR121, SCR122

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• We've talked a lot this session about the safety and the security of our elections.
• And we, as this body, become the reason that elections are not safe and secure.
• the security of our elections. elections. elections.
• <01:57:37.360> As elections are not safe and secure.
• As elections are not safe and secure.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because a secure country relies on secure labs, even the ones at sea.
• our nation's food supply and put secure our nation's food supply and put food<00:52:01.040> on
• President Trump and House Republicans are working to strengthen and secure and sustain Medicaid.
• <04:09:45.680> and plan to improve the cyber security and plan to improve the cyber security
• Seniors, Social Security, people who earn tips, people who work overtime.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 1012, house, all