Gov. Bevin reorganizes state board of education and establishes Charter School Advisory Council

Changes will come to the state’s school board after Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin signed an executive order Friday realigning some education boards and committees and establishing the Kentucky Charter Schools Advisory Council.

According to a release about the executive order Friday, the Bevin administration notes the changes made by education bills passed during the 2017 session. The release suggested the education groups are being realigned to meet new demands and provide for greater coordination of efforts across the education system.

The changes to the Kentucky Board of Education include adding four non-voting, non-member advisers in an effort to enhance alignment of education decision making on all levels. The new advisers will include a member of Council on Postsecondary Education; a member of Education Professional Standards Board; a member of the School Curriculum, Assessment and Accountability Council; and a member of the Charter Schools Advisory Council.

Changes to the Education Professional Standards Board, the Gifted Advisory Council, and the School Curriculum, Assessment and Accountability Council will also occur as a result of the Governor’s order.

“Increased expertise on Kentucky’s boards and councils will help ensure that Kentucky’s new accountability system results in improved education outcomes for students,” said Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner. “Through this realignment, we are appointing members and advisors who will serve in dual capacities on various boards. These dual members and advisors will enhance the flow of communication between boards.”

The Charter School Advisory Council was created as an advisory body to the Kentucky Board of Education to help ensure successful implementation of House Bill 520.

“The historic charter school legislation passed during this year’s General Assembly session represents a truly momentous step forward in providing quality choices for Kentucky’s most vulnerable students,” said Gov. Bevin. “This advisory council will play a vital role in ensuring the success of this exciting new educational option. Public charter schools will create the promise of real opportunity for young people and their families where hope does not currently exist.”

The Kentucky Chamber was a lead supporter of the public charter legislation, HB 520, during the 2017 session of the General Assembly.