Prichard Committee

Read the full statement and access a full analysis of education priorities in the state budget here: bit.ly/3Nu0bWe

Early care and education champions from across the Commonwealth gathered at the Kentucky Capitol yesterday for Strong Start Day, an event focused on advancing policies that support young children, families and the early childhood workforce. Members of the Strong Start Coalition convened in Frankfort to hear updates from state leaders on proposed legislation impacting early care and education and to speak with policymakers about their legislative priorities. A special thank you to Rep. Samara Heavrin, Sen. @dannycarrollky and Rep. James Tipton for listening and sharing information on bills they are sponsoring this legislative session. Thank you to our partners at United Way of Kentucky for joining us in this effort. Read more: prichardcommittee.org/early-childhoo…

Nominations are open for the brand new Outstanding High School Teacher Prize! The prize includes a cash prize of $20,000 for the teacher and $5,000 for their high school. The prize is named in memory of Edward F. Prichard, Jr., founding chair of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence; Dr. Lee Kirkpatrick, who was superintendent of the Paris Independent Schools from 1918-1953; and Miss Zerelda Noland, who was regarded by Mr. Prichard and most of her students as the most influential teacher at Paris High School. The prize is presented by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence on behalf of Mr. Prichard’s sons, Allen Prichard, Nathan Prichard and Louis Prichard. Teachers may be nominated by current or former students, colleagues, principals, superintendents, school board members, parents, community members or any other individuals who are familiar with their impact on their students and the community. Self-nominations are also accepted. Learn more and nominate here: bit.ly/3OGCsCp

Read the Prichard Committee's statement on the updated House budget here: bit.ly/4r3tzjR. An education-focused analysis of this version of the budget will be available on prichardcommittee.org. #KyLeg #KyEducation

Kentucky Senate Bill 152 would move schools away from a model of shared decision making among parents, teachers, and principals. This model was created 30 years ago to build trust, keep decision-making transparent, and ensure families and educators have a real voice in shaping their schools. The Prichard Committee, the Kentucky Association of School Councils (@KASCKY) and @KentuckyPTA urge lawmakers to vote against the bill. Read our full joint statement here: bit.ly/4aChRI0

Today, HB 9 was struck down, and our Constitution was upheld. Public education funding must stay in our public schools, serving every child in every community. Read the full statement here: bit.ly/4bZroda

📢 Nominations are open for the brand new Outstanding High School Teacher Prize, and we invite you to nominate a Kentucky educator who is making a meaningful difference for students! The winning high school teacher will receive $20,000 with an additional $5,000 going to the teacher's school. Learn more and make your nomination here: bit.ly/4amNhk5

"He was a very good man who led with a fierce heart and calm courage -- a steadfast example to all of us." --Prichard Committee President/CEO Brigitte Blom Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues Tom Shelton, of one of Kentucky's leading education advocates and the former superintendent of Fayette County Schools. wkyt.com/2026/02/09/ken…

The Prichard Committee has released a report highlighting Owensboro's groundbreaking community-wide work around early childhood care and education. The report details the work of the Greater Owensboro Partnership for Early Development (GOPED), launched in 2021 through a catalytic, multi-year $500,000 investment from the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro (PLFO) in partnership with the Prichard Committee. GOPED united families, educators, employers, health partners, civic institutions and philanthropies around a shared strategy centered on Advocacy, Access and Quality with the goal of ensuring every child enters school ready to succeed and every family has real opportunity. Read the press release and full report here: bit.ly/4r07dAv

The Regional Education Laboratory Appalachia is hosting a free, virtual two-day Strengthening School Supports for Kinship Caregivers and Grandfamilies Summit, and Prichard Committee President/CEO Brigitte Blom will be a speaker! Dates: Wednesday, February 25 (11:30 – 3:30 PM EST) and Thursday, February 26 (12:30 – 3:45 PM EST) District and school leaders and members of nonprofit and community organizations are invited to hear from experts and state and organizational leaders about research- and evidence-based strategies to support students living with kinship caregivers and in grandfamilies. Register here: bit.ly/4r3IJ9u

Kentucky’s budget choices today will shape opportunity for a generation. As House Bill 500 begins the budget process, we’re urging smart, targeted investments in early childhood, K–12 readiness, and the foundational supports families and communities rely on because upward mobility depends on education done right. Read the full statement here: bit.ly/49N8kgL A full analysis of the House budget is coming Monday on PrichardCommittee.org.

The Prichard Committee is celebrating 30 years of @EdTurst 🎉 Founded by Kati Haycock, Ed Trust’s early work intersected with leaders like Bob Sexton, connecting national and state advocacy efforts. We’re proud of that shared history—and of our continued partnership. edtrust.org/about/edtrust-…

🌟 Nominate an Outstanding High School Teacher 🌟 Do you know an exceptional Kentucky high school teacher who goes above and beyond for their students? Now is the time to recognize them. The newly established Outstanding High School Teacher Prize awards: 🏆 $20,000 to the selected teacher 🏫 $5,000 to their high school The prize will be presented at the Prichard Committee Annual Meeting in June. ✔️ Anyone may nominate a teacher ✔️ Self-nominations are welcome ✔️ Once nominated, the teacher will be invited to apply 📅 All materials must be submitted by March 31, 2026. This prize honors the legacy of Edward F. Prichard, Jr., founding chair of the Prichard Committee; Dr. Lee Kirkpatrick, longtime superintendent of Paris Independent Schools; and Miss Zerelda Noland, former Paris High School teacher. It is presented on behalf of Mr. Prichard’s sons, Allen, Nathan, and Louis. Let’s celebrate excellence in education. Nominate an outstanding teacher here: bit.ly/4qm9l59

Prichard Committee President/CEO Brigitte Blom spoke to Bill Bryant about what to watch in education during the 2026 Legislative Session and beyond. Watch here: bit.ly/49F751Z #EducationPolicy #KyEducation

Gov. Beshear released his version of the state budget, outlining his priorities for the next two years. Read our full analysis of the governor's education budget here: bit.ly/3Ly0XjU #kentuckyeducation #KYLeg #EducationPolicy

Federal child care funding may soon be frozen, which would threaten the strength of both Kentucky families and the workforce. Any delay in child care assistance could jeopardize access to care for more than 30,000 Kentucky children who currently rely on this support. Read the full statement here: bit.ly/4aSIskF #Childcare

Every action this year has shown what’s possible when families, schools, and communities come together. As we head into a brand new year, let’s keep the momentum growing! 🎯 Set your intention for 2026: prichardcommittee.org/groundswell

📷From all of us at the Prichard Committee, we’re feeling extra grateful this holiday season. Here’s to the communities, families, and schools who make Kentucky strong! Your partnership is the gift that keeps on giving. 📷

🎒Daviess County is building community from day one! With wrap-around preschool care, more children are entering kindergarten ready to learn. Middle schoolers in the Guys in Ties program are gaining real-world skills—plus a sharp suit to match. And at the elementary level, students lead community drives through the Bobcat Squad. 💪This is how schools and communities grow together. Want to bring these ideas to your school? prichardcommittee.org/groundswelll

"Kids who attend preschool show better attendance, fewer disciplinary issues, and stronger outcomes in adulthood, from employment to health coverage.” –Sam Flynn In the latest Eastern Standard conversation, @Brigitte_Blom sat down with Sam Flynn, Executive Director of the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Program, to discuss how expanding access to high-quality early childhood education can give Kentucky children a strong foundation for school, their careers, and lifelong success. Listen to the interview here or on Apple podcasts: bit.ly/45ayOWH @KyPreKForAll #EarlyChildhoodEducation #KentuckyEducation #PreKForAll