Kentucky

Kentucky lawmakers discuss funding for school safety amid recent threats

Published

2 months ago

October 16, 2024

Kentucky lawmakers discuss funding for school safety amid recent threats

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT)—School safety and the increased costs of funding it were discussed at the State Capitol on Wednesday.

Kentucky’s Center for School Safety director told lawmakers in an interim budget education committee how spending increased from $2 million in 1999 to more than $15 million.

It’s expected to increase even more next year.

The testimony follows recent headlines, including threats in Montgomery County.

“I think something has to be done to make it very unpleasant for anyone who wants to spread false rumors,” Rep. Steve Riley, R-Glasgow, said in the committee meeting Wednesday morning.

Some Montgomery County parents kept their children home, schools were closed, and for a time, backpacks were banned. School leaders say a student even brought a loaded gun to school.

“I couldn’t talk about motive or intent, but I can tell you that it happened. Because it happened, it is important to shift from the other priorities we have as a school district,” said Chief Chris Barrier, who heads up law enforcement for the Montgomery County School District.

In the weeks since then, Barrier says they’ve had time to address their safety initiatives.

“So I think it is important to understand school safety is not a destination. You don’t ever get to a point where you have reached the end goal. School safety is fluid,” Barrier said.

“This is just a snapshot of your Senate Bill 91, which allocated $15 million for school safety,” said Center for School Safety Director Jon Akers.

Funding for school safety has increased substantially since the Heath High School shooting in 1999. Now, money for mental health is in the mix.

Barrier says relationship building is also key.

“It is the cornerstone for what we do and what we train our SROs in our schools to do,” said Barrier.

Akers also says their tip line receives 100 calls daily, and 40 percent deal with mental health issues.

Lawmakers say next year’s allocation will increase school safety funding by $18 million.

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Kentucky

2024 National computer science report highlights Kentucky’s achievements

Published

2 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Press Room

2024 National computer science report highlights Kentucky’s achievements

The 2024 State of Computer Science Education report shows Kentucky continues to make progress in bringing computer science opportunities to students and ensuring all students have the chance to participate in these courses.

This annual report – released by Code.org, the Computer Science Teachers Association and the Expanding Computing Education Pathways Alliance – offers a deep dive into the state of computer science education nationwide, providing a detailed analysis of policy developments, implementation, and student access at national and state levels, focusing on ensuring equitable access for all students.

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Office of Education Technology’s Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT) Academy program has been instrumental in the Commonwealth’s computer science education progress. This program eliminates financial barriers by fully funding student certification opportunities and assisting partners in providing professional development for teachers.

Through this initiative:

Teachers can earn computer science teaching credentials;
Students can obtain industry certifications free of charge;
Districts can offer Advanced Placement computer science exams without budget impact; and
Schools can showcase student achievement in computer science.

“We are proud of the progress Kentucky has made in computer science education,” said Sean Jackson, CS and IT Academy program manager and K-12 computer science lead at KDE. “Equipping our students with a strong computer sciences foundation is crucial for their future success and the continued growth of our state’s technology and innovation sectors.”

Jackson said these achievements wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of Kentucky’s teachers, students, school administrators, parents and advocates, as well as support from policymakers.

Kentucky has enacted seven of the 10 recommended policies outlined by the Code.org Advocacy Coalition. States that implement seven or more policies have seen a significant increase in the percentage of high schools offering computer science courses.

The Code.org national report also found that in 2024, 76% of public high schools in Kentucky provided foundational computer science courses, with 76% of those high schools residing in rural communities, well above the national average for those school types. Additionally, 34% of students participating in these courses were female, again a gain from previous years and above the national average.

The state’s commitment to education technology infrastructure has been pivotal in expanding computer science education access.

“Kentucky’s strategic investment in the Kentucky Education Technology Systems (KETS) and the CS and IT Academy program has been transformative and still serves as a national example,” said David Couch, associate commissioner and K-12 chief information officer at KDE. “This critical funding continues to enable the upgrade of digital infrastructure in rural and urban schools alike, ensuring every student has access to the tools and resources needed for quality education, including computer science.

“We’re seeing the impact in real-time, with a 31% increase since 2019 in students participating in computer science courses in districts that otherwise may have limited access to computer science instruction. Continued and expanded funding in KETS and the Computer Science and IT Academy program ensures that we can serve schools and students now and for years to come.”

National Data – Comparing Where Kentucky Stands:

60% of U.S. public high schools offer foundational computer science courses. Kentucky’s percentage is 76%.
4% of U.S. high school students enroll in computer science. In Kentucky, 11.5% of students are taking these courses, putting Kentucky 6th nationally in participation by student population.

“These data points showcase the strides made across the country and highlight how Kentucky educators and education partners continue to expand students’ access to these courses,” Couch said. “Ensuring every student can develop these critical skills empowers the next generation to succeed in an increasingly tech-driven world.”

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Kentucky

The Journey recaps Kentucky's big rivalry win over Louisville

Published

10 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Press Room

The Journey recaps Kentucky's big rivalry win over Louisville

The moment you’ve all been waiting for this week has arrived, Big Blue Nation. With every big-time victory for Kentucky basketball comes The Journey, the UK Sports Video series that takes you behind the scenes in award-winning fashion. Next up is the recap of Kentucky’s latest victory in the rivalry series against Louisville.

You do not want to miss this one.

Smash that play button to catch all of the highlights from Lamont Butler‘s biggest career game as the San Diego State transfer scored 33 points on 10 field goal attempts. The Wildcats posted 1.27 point per possession as the offense rolled over Pat Kelsey‘s first Louisville team. Even a season-high 14 three-point field goals weren’t enough to get the road underdog over the hump.

The Journey is six-plus minutes long and the mini-movie shows you Mark Pope‘s pregame speech to the team and much more. This victory was a sweet one for the Big Blue Nation.

Will we get another Journey video after this weekend’s game against Ohio State at Madison Square Garden for the CBS Sports Classic? Only time will tell.

Want more coverage of the Cats? Join the KSR Club.

KSR has been delivering UK Sports news in the most ridiculous manner for almost two decades. Now, you can get even more coverage of the Cats with KSR+. Now is the perfect time to join our online community. Subscribe now for premium articles, in-depth scouting reports, inside intel, bonus recruiting coverage, and access to KSBoard, our message board featuring thousands of Kentucky fans around the globe. Come join the club.

Want more Kentucky football recruiting intel? Join KSR Plus for the most comprehensive coverage of the Cats on the internet. With a KSR membership, you get access to bonus content and KSBoard, KSR’s message board, to chat with fellow Cats fans and get exclusive scoop.

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Kentucky

Gov. Beshear sits down for end of year interview with LEX 18

Published

17 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Press Room

Gov. Beshear sits down for end of year interview with LEX 18

FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — As 2024 wraps up, Gov. Andy Beshear is highlighting Kentucky’s successes and speaking about the issues that he believes should be addressed in the new year.

In a sit-down interview at the Capitol on Wednesday, the Governor and First Lady Britainy Beshear touted Kentucky’s economic success.

“I certainly think our economy is our high from this year,” said Beshear. “[2024] is going to be our fourth best year ever in terms of private sector investment.”

Beshear said Kentucky saw more than $6.9 billion in new investments and more than 9,400 new full-time jobs.

He said in 2025, the state should keep focus on issues that matter to Kentucky families, like good jobs, good infrastructure like roads, high-quality education and healthcare, and safety.

The Beshears, who are parents to two teenagers, often speak about building a better Kentucky for the younger and future generations. What kind of Kentucky are they envisioning?

“We want every Kentucky child to have opportunity in Kentucky – if this is where they choose to build their adult lives,” said First Lady Britainy Beshear. “I think we’ve come so far. Our economy is on fire. Jobs are added every day. We have amazing colleges and universities.”

“I hope that those things not only remain in place, but also grow and strengthen, so our children have every opportunity here that they can dream of,” she added.

“I hope that we are creating a state that is an economic powerhouse where kids can chase any dream they want and never have to leave, if they don’t want to,” added Governor Beshear. “But also, one where we’re taking care of each other. We’re putting those structures in place to where if you’re having that day that you’re not okay, there’s no stigma in reaching out and saying ‘I need a little bit of help.’”

One thing that Kentucky must get done in 2025 is universal pre-K, according to Beshear.

“I think the biggest need that we have is universal pre-K,” said Beshear. “That’s both the education and childcare piece that then creates a workforce issue. We have a lot of parents of young children who are out of the workforce because childcare costs so much. And for some of them, they don’t qualify for Head Start, but don’t make enough to send their kids to pre-K. So, the result is we have over 50% of Kentucky’s kids who aren’t Kindergarten ready. Some don’t ever catch up so that means we are failing them before they ever start school.”

Republican legislative leaders have indicated that their big priority is to continue with further tax cuts. Beshear said he supports another cut to the personal income tax rate, but he emphasized that the state cannot lose too much revenue.

“I believe in balance,” said Beshear. “The best way that we can provide services and stimulate our economy is the right balance. That means we can lower the personal income tax right now, but if the legislature races to bring it to zero, then, either they are going to raise sales taxes – which will make things cost more and things already cost too much – or they will try to raise property taxes.”

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