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This will be the last Monday Message for 2023. We will resume on Jan. 8. We wish you and yours a joyous holiday season.
Dear Colleagues,
This evening, Gov. Beshear will share his proposed biennial budget for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. If you would like to watch his remarks, they will be aired at 8 p.m. ET on KET.
The governor has continued to signal a commitment to investing in our children, unlocking new avenues of opportunity and enhancing the safety of our communities and families. All of these objectives align with our shared vision for a brighter future for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
In mid-August, we heard some details about the governor’s proposal for K-12 education and his commitment to education as a top priority of his administration. It is essential to remember that the announcements made in the budget address are just the initial steps in a comprehensive process. While the governor's outlined priorities underscore the significance of education, it is crucial to bear in mind that this is the beginning of the budgetary journey. No bill has been filed yet, and the official legislative process will not commence until Jan. 2. There will be ample time for discussions, deliberations and potential adjustments.
Undoubtedly, there is no greater investment in the future of our state than education. A robust education system not only equips our students with the skills necessary for workforce success, but also contributes significantly to the economic growth and job development that Kentucky has been diligently fostering.
In the weeks and months ahead, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) will work collaboratively to analyze the budget proposal in greater detail, keeping in mind the diverse needs of our schools and communities. Your input and advocacy during this process will be invaluable in ensuring that the final budget reflects the needs and priorities of our educational system.
On another topic, the Kentucky Board of Education held a special meeting on Dec. 14 to review the job description for the Commissioner of Education. The board also established the interview committee to review responses to the commissioner search.
You can stay up to date on the commissioner search on KDE’s 2023-2024 Commissioner Search webpage.
Thank you for your continued dedication to the students of Kentucky.
Sincerely,
Robin Fields Kinney
Interim Commissioner of Education
Get Ready to Streamline Administration of Your District’s Title I Program
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has contracted with the Public Consulting Group (PCG) to provide Title1Next ™, a Title I, Part A document management solution at no cost to all Kentucky school districts. School districts may register to get started with Title1Next in January or March 2024. More details will be forthcoming. Additional opportunities to register later in 2024 also will be available.
Title1Next is a cloud-based documentation management system which allows district Title I coordinators to quickly disseminate, retrieve, evaluate and approve an unlimited number of compliance documents from Title I schools and principals. The system also allows you to file, organize and store documentation for multiple academic years.
Information on the system features is available on the Title1Next website, as well as this informational video. Details about the system and registration process also was shared during the monthly KDE Title I webinar for December. The webinar recording is available on the Title I Part A Documents and Resources web page.
Benefits of Title1Next include:
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Increased operational efficiency: From streamlined data and documentation to built-in program management and communication tools, Title1Next encourages more efficient, collaborative and productive Title I operations within districts and schools.
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Improved compliance and accountability: The integrated monitoring and alert system within Title1Next helps ensure that Kentucky Title I schools submit documentation on time. This documentation also is stored in the cloud for multiple academic years, which is pivotal for meeting record retention requirements and preparing for monitoring.
For more information, please contact the following individuals:
EdCamp for Leaders to be Held Jan. 17
Jan. 17, 2024, is the 8th annual virtual EdCamp. Join leaders from across the state (without leaving your building) to learn, grow, network and problem solve.
Last year, over 300 school leaders were in attendance, and this year’s EdCamp is expected to be even bigger. Jimmy Casas and Wayne Young are keynote speakers, and the day will begin with remarks from Kentucky’s Interim Commissioner of Education, Robin Fields Kinney. Sessions will be facilitated by fellow school leaders who will share what is working well and positively impacting student outcomes in their schools.
With an extensive number of sessions offered, participants can choose session topics matched most closely to professional and school needs. Prioritize your calendar and take advantage of this FREE participant-driven professional learning event. EILA credit will be awarded.
Registration information and additional details about the event are available on the Principal Partnership Project (P3) website. If you have questions, you may contact Keith Griesser with the Kentucky Department of Education.
Save the Date: Continuous Improvement Summit 2024
Save the date for the annual Continuous Improvement Summit on Sept. 23-24, 2024, at the Central Bank Center in Lexington.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and Cognia™ are inviting you to the summit, where you will have an opportunity to explore a variety of topics and engage in conversations that will enrich your understanding of continuous improvement.
During this two-day event, you will enhance your professional learning, make new connections and build upon existing relationships with peers across Kentucky, hear up-to-date information from KDE leaders, and learn how Cognia can help you address your unique challenges in your journey of continuous improvement.
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