Kentucky Department of Education

 

2007-08 Important Due Dates for Superintendents
When I sent out the message at the end of January on the necessity of getting reports submitted to KDE in a timely manner, several superintendents asked if I could send them a listing of the various KDE required reports and their due dates.  In response to this request, I am ... More

 

2007-2008 Amended School Calendars
The Kentucky Department of Education has received several questions from school districts as they amend their 2007-08 school calendars to adjust for weather days, early dismissal days and other events and still be in compliance with the 2006 Budget Bill (House Bill 380) calendar requirements. Language in HB 380 requires 2007-08 ... More

 

2007-2008 Audit Contract
The State Committee for School District Audits approved the fiscal year 2007-08 Audit Contract on March 20, 2008. As a reminder, the FY 2007-08 audit contracts are due to KDE's Division of District Operations on May 30 and districts are to submit to the Division of District Operations the initial Annual ... More

 

2007-2008 Final SEEK Calculation
Your district’s 2007-2008 Final SEEK calculation is available on the KDE Web site at 2007-2008 FInal SEEK calculation The Division of Data Management has posted the 2007-2008 Final SEEK as a requirement of House Bill 380. However, the Kentucky Department of Education has not yet received all updated district data. We ... More

 

2008 Annual Notice of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) September 2008
We have been asked by the U.S. Department of Education to forward the information below relative to the 2008 Annual Notice of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) to each local district superintendent in Kentucky.  Please make sure that the appropriate individuals ... More

 

2008 Behavior Institute
Please find attached information regarding the 2008 Behavior Institute to be held on June 23-25, 2008, at the Lexington Convention Center. For questions regarding the 2008 Behavior Institute, please contact Toyah Robey, Office of Exceptional Children, at 502-564-4970 or via email at mailto:Toyah.Robey@education.ky.gov

 

2008 Insurance Replacement Costs Information
Please find below information regarding 2008 Insurance replacement costs. For the purpose of insurance coverage, the estimated replacement costs per square foot for school buildings have been revised as follows: Elementary schools $143Middle schools $146High schools $156Vocational schools $146Central office $144Bus garages $120Storage buildings $80 Carefully review 702 KAR 3:030, especially ... More

 

2008 Kentucky Teaching and Learning Conference (KTLC)
The 2008 Kentucky Teaching and Learning Conference (KTLC) will be held March 6-7, in Louisville at the International Convention Center. The theme, Student Learning for the 21st Century - Every Child, Every Day, will showcase excellence from schools and districts across the Commonwealth focusing on the following areas of emphasis: Assessment ... More

 

2008-09 SEEK Forecast - June 08
Your district’s 2008-2009 SEEK Forecast calculation is now available on the KDE website at 2008-09 SEEK Forecast Calculation The 2008-2009 SEEK Forecast which was posted on June 16, 2008 will reflect data revisions which were requested by districts since the last SEEK Forecast web posting in April 2008. Payments for July, ... More

 

2008-09 SEEK Forecast Calculation
SEEK Forecast Calculation: Your district’s 2008-2009 SEEK Forecast Calculation is available on the KDE Web site at: 2008-09 SEEK Forecast. The SEEK forecast will reflect data received from your school district and a per pupil base of $3,822. We have chosen not to post an example with the 7% reduction that ... More

 

2008-2009 Constitutionally Protected Prayer Email and Certification August 2008
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires that each local educational agency (LEA) certify in writing to its state educational agency (SEA) that it has no policy that denies participation in constitutionally protected prayer as set forth in the U.S. Department of Education’s guidance. The link for the newly ... More

 

2008-2009 Forecast SEEK Calculation based on the proposed 2008-2010 biennial budget
Your district’s 2008-2009 SEEK Forecast Calculation based on the proposed biennial budget is now available on the KDE Web site at 2008-2009 SEEK Forecast Calculation The SEEK Forecast will reflect data received from the Office of the State Budget Director. This data includes a per pupil base of $3,822, a statewide ... More

 

2009 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Program (KTOY)
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) would like to recognize exemplary teachers in your school district through the 2009 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Program (KTOY), which awards cash prizes, professional development opportunities, and other recognitions to 24 teachers in elementary, middle and high schools throughout the Commonwealth. While all nominations ... More

 

21st Annual Conference for Academically Proficient African American High School Juniors and Seniors
Please find attached information regarding the 21st Annual Conference for Academically Proficient African American High School Juniors and Seniors to be held June 13-14, 2008 on the Murray State University campus.  Please note all forms must be returned no later than March 28, 2008. Should you have any questions, please contact ... More

 

Action Plan for Alternative Education A5 and A6
As you may know, the Kentucky Department of Education has been reporting regularly to the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) on ways to ensure quality educational services are provided to students in alternative education programs. The most recent initiative of the Department involved the creation of the attached Action Plan for ... More

 

Appointment of Committee to Address Transportation Issues - May 08
Issues regarding transportation were brought to my attention at the recent superintendents' meeting. Apparently, funding and other issues are very complicated. To address the transportation issues, I am appointing a committee consisting of representatives from the Legislature, Legislative Research Commission, the Kentucky Department of Education, Superintendents and local school district Finance ... More

 

Budget situation
I have been notified by the Governor’s administration that the budget outlook for 2008-10 is extremely bleak.  As a result, the SEEK formula is being considered for a possible reduction.  In my opinion, a reduction in the SEEK formula would be devastating for elementary and secondary education.  It is important that ... More

 

Clarification regarding identification of Other Health Impaired (OHI) students
Some of you have requested specific clarification regarding the eligibility and assessment of students identified as having a disability under the category Other Health Impaired (OHI). I thought that I would share our discussion and response with all of you. Pursuant to 707 KAR 1:280, OHI is defined as; "having limited ... More

 

Clarification regarding Special Education Regulation relative to preschool
As you are aware, Kentucky’s special education regulations were revised in December 2007 to incorporate new requirements from the 2004 IDEA Reauthorization. Training on one of the regulatory changes (707 KAR 1:300) was recently provided by KDE to several Regional Training Centers’ Leadership meetings for preschool coordinators. This regulation deals with ... More

 

Communication from Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation regarding District Employees Retiring July 1, 2008
Carol Cummins, with the Kentucky Public Employees' Deferred Compensation Authority, asked that I share the attached information with you. If you have questions, please contact Carol at mailto:carolv.cummins2@ky.gov or call (800) 542-2667.   

 

Critical Teacher Shortage Areas for 2007-08 School Year
In response to Kentucky's submission of critical shortage areas, the United States Department of Education has designated the following areas as teacher shortage areas during the 2007-08 school year. Biology - SecondaryChemistry - SecondaryEarth ScienceEnglish - Middle SchoolEnglish - SecondaryEnglish as a Second LanguageExceptional Children (EBD, FMD, LBD, PD)Mathematics - Middle ... More

 

Current law requires the provisions of HB 380 to be met
I want to take this opportunity to explain KDE's efforts to implement HB 380. Prior to my arrival, under the direction of Commissioner Gene Wilhoit, superintendents were notified of the requirements of HB 380 in regard to the school calendar.  The notices date back to April 21, 2006.  Since then, superintendents ... More

 

Delay of Textbook Adoption Cycle for 2008-2009 School Year
As you know, we are anticipating potentially significant budget cuts to programs in the Flexible Focus Funds, including textbooks, as a way to avoid making cuts to SEEK. Due to the uncertain nature of the eventual outcome, KDE leadership has decided to delay the textbook adoption cycle for the 2008-2009 school ... More

 

District Assurances - May 08
  When meeting with your board to approve the Comprehensive District Improvement Plan District Assurances, please use the updated assurance document that has been posted on the following website at: District Assurances For further information, please contact Susan Ronca at 502-564-1979 or via email at mailto:Susan.Ronca@eduction.ky.gov .

 

Driver Education Cards
The Kentucky Department of Education will no longer be distributing driver education completion cards because it is the local district staff that has verification of student course completion. After contacting many insurance companies across the state, the Department of Education has determined that a student can simply submit a copy of ... More

 

Follow-up message on May 2009 Testing Windows
Thanks for your feedback about the May 2009 test windows. Overall, the reaction has been very positive statewide. One issue that was identified is the conflict of high school Advanced Placement tests that take place in May. We will offer an optional window for high schools to avoid this conflict. As ... More

 

Federal Cash Request - June 08
Please find attached the Federal Cash Request Form, Instructions and the Assurance Statement.  The Federal Cash Request process allows email transmission of the Federal Cash Requests forms.  As a part of this process, thedistrictsuperintendents should sign a Statement of Assurance, identifying the individuals in their district office who are authorized to ... More

 

HB 91 August 2008
House Bill 91, often referred to as the "Bullying Bill," was passed during the 2008 legislative session.  The legislation requires the Kentucky Department of Education to provide guidance to local school districts to assist with the implementation at the local level.  Additionally, the legislation requires that a "model policy" be provided ... More

 

Individual Learning Plan - June 08
As we continue to transition remaining districts to the Infinite Campus product, I want to remind each district that KDE will again pay the license and support fees for the Kentucky Student Information System for the upcoming school year. For the districts in the Pilot and Wave 1 group, you will ... More

 

Information regarding 2008 TItle I Allocations - May 08
The Kentucky Department of Education has received numerous calls regarding Title I district allocations. In response to questions received, I would like to share with you information that the U. S. Department of Education has shared with us on how they figure the allocations for every school district in the nation. ... More

 

Intervention Strategies Document - June 08
Dear Superintendent,   The Kentucky Department of Education supports and recommends that each school and district implement a system of interventions, P-12, that responds to any student need, based on appropriate data.  In addition to prior data sources, Kentucky now has the opportunity to identify students’ high school and postsecondary readiness ... More

 

KAESP Fall Conference September 2008
On behalf of the Ky. Association of Elementary School Principals, I am forwarding information (attached) regarding the upcoming conference. This will also be sent to elementary and middle level principals.

 

KASC Conference Announcement
Kentucky Association of School Councils 2008 Conference Sept. 29 & 30, 2008  The Executive West, LouisvilleConference theme is: Teamwork Makes the Dream WorkWith 19 successful schools presenting their methods and strategies, this is the practical way for teachers and leaders to learn from many schools, in all subjects, across all grade ... More

 

KBE approval of waiver of the March 1 school council allocation deadline extended to May 1
The Kentucky Board of Education took action that will have an impact this year on the timing of school council allocations in some school districts. The information below will assist you as you communicate this decision to the affected individuals and what it means for school districts and councils. During its ... More

 

Kentucky Center for Instructional Discipline (KYCID) Professional Development Opportunity - June 08
Please find attached information from the Kentucky Center for Instructional Discipline regarding the opportunity to offer quality professional development to local school districts. For further information, please contact Mike Waford, Kentucky Center for Instructional Discipline, at 502-564-9671 or toll free at 866-270-3186 or via email at mailto:mike.warford@eku.edu

 

Kentucky School for the Deaf Kindergarten through Grade 8 Academic Summer School
The Kentucky School for the Deaf's Kindergarten through Grade 8 Academic Summer School will be held Sunday, June 1 through Friday, June 13.  This program is open to deaf and hard of hearing students attending both public schools and the Kentucky School for the Deaf.  Your assistance is needed in distributing/forwarding ... More

 

KSIS License 2008-09 - June 08
As we continue to transition remaining districts to the Infinite Campus product, I want to remind each district that KDE will again pay the license and support fees for the Kentucky Student Information System for the upcoming school year. For the districts in the Pilot and Wave 1 group, you will ... More

 

KVHS Spring 2008 registration dates
Registration for Kentucky Virtual High School’s (KVHS) Spring 2008 semester is currently open and will end on December 7, 2007, which is earlier than usual. The early registration date will allow adequate time to open sections of courses, ship textbooks, and to ensure sufficient faculty are in place. Many courses filled ... More

 

Legislators Back to School Program
I was asked by the Legislative Research Commission to make sure you are aware of possible contacts about legislators participating in this year's America's Legislators Back to School Program. The National Conference of State Legislatures' (NCSL's) annual America's Legislators Back to School Program for the school year 2008-2009 will kick off ... More

 

May Testing Window Change
Good news!  Ken Draut, Associate Commissioner of the Office of Assessment and Accountability, and I have determined a proposed solution to the problem educators have voiced on the earliness of the spring CATS testing window that now occurs in late April and the first few days of May.  Beginning in 2009, ... More

 

New resource on family health available from KET August 2008
I've been asked by KET to share the following information with you. For more details, please contact Kathy M. Day, Ready to Learn Coordinator, KET/The Kentucky Network, 600 Cooper Dr., Lexington KY 40502; phone (859) 258-7451; e-mail Kday@KET.org.   Did you know that one child in three born after 2000 will ... More

 

Yearly 2008-2009 Classified Newspaper Advertisement - July 08
In compliance with federal guidelines, prior to the beginning of each school year, recipients of federal career and technical (vocational) funds must advise students, parents, employees, and the general public that all career and technical educational opportunities will be offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. The ... More

 

Participation in the Lincoln bicentennial commemoration - July 08
Below is a letter from Kentucky Board of Education Chair Joe Brothers and me encouraging all schools to participate in the Lincoln bicentennial commemoration.  The letter also offers a link to the Kentucky Lincoln Commissioner’s Web site to assist you and a source for materials that teachers can access at the ... More

 

Preschool FY 08 Shortfall Explanation - June 08
Attached is an estimated calculation of the Preschool FY 08 shortfall. The Preschool rates are calculated by estimating the negative adjustment and the supplemental 3’s by using prior year’s figures. The differences in the estimated and actual figures were greater than anticipated. This difference created a shortfall of $1,120,711 for the ... More

 

Reaffirmation to diversity in hiring by the Kentucky Department of Education August 2008
Diversity Statement With the issuance of this statement, I am reaffirming my commitment to diversity in hiring at the Kentucky Department of Education.  I understand and support the value of creating a diverse workforce. The Kentucky Department of Education, under previous commissioners of education, has done a great job in improving ... More

 

Reminder of Statute on High School Credit Earned in Middle School
KDE’s Division of Curriculum staff prepared the following information related to questions we received concerning middle school students who complete high school credits. This is a reminder to ensure that your district is following the current statute and that students are receiving credit accordingly. It does not represent new policy but ... More

 

Reminder of Veterans Day activities as mandated by KRS 158.075 August 2008
Veterans Day is celebrated this year on Tuesday, November 11. A concern has been brought to my attention that not all schools may be observing Veterans Day as mandated by KRS 158.075.  As a reminder, in 2006, the Kentucky legislature amended state law (KRS 158.075) to mandate certain activities for all ... More

 

Schools to Watch - May 08
The Kentucky Schools to Watch program is an ideal platform for watching and recognizing Kentucky middle schools that grow and achieve as they strive toward a focused mission of high expectations for all students. These schools are committed to promoting the academic performance and healthy development of young adolescents. The National ... More

 

SESPTC Scholarship Application and information for 2008
The Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference (SESPTC) is a non-profit corporation created over 55 years ago to host an annual conference focused on educating student transportation professionals working in the southeast. The member southeastern states are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia ... More

 

Special Education Determinations
This is just a reminder regarding some information that we are sure your Director of Special Education shared with you some time ago. The reminder is that federal mandates now require KDE to make annual “Determinations” on the performance of local school district programs for students with disabilities. The new mandate ... More

 

Student identifiers needed for P thru 20 data sharing SSID should be included on transcripts immediately
Please share the information found below with guidance counselors in your districts, since many student transcripts are generated at the school level.  I will also be forwarding this message to district technology officers and pupil personnel directors. Recent discussions with higher education officials have increased our determination to begin sharing data ... More

 

Task Force to review State Assessment and Accountability System
(FRANKFORT, Ky.) – A statewide task force of policymakers and experts in the field will review Kentucky’s Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS), with the primary goals of providing a blueprint for the system’s progress in the future and ensuring that the system meets the best interests of public school students.   ... More

 

Teacher and ADministrator Standards Changes - April 08
The intent of this e-mail is to inform you of the recent changes in the teacher and administrator standards. In February 2008, the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) revised the administrative regulation, 16 KAR 1:010, which establishes the standards required for certified school personnel to obtain or maintain certification. The revised ... More

 

Textbook Review Cycle - April 08
On February 14, 2008, I sent a message indicating that the textbook review cycle would be put on hold due to expected cuts in funds for textbooks and instructional resources. Now that the budget has been finalized and these funds are back to their original allotment, we will return to the ... More

 

Timely submission of reports to KDE
After meeting with staff from the Office of Education Accountability, it has come to my attention that a reminder needs to go out to local districts on the critical nature of submitting reports/data to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) in a timely manner.  When reports/data are not submitted to KDE ... More

 

Title VI Dear Colleague Letter on Principles Regarding Assignment of Students to Elementary and Secondary Schools September 2008
We received the email found below from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights and have been asked to share the information with state education staff as well as local districts.  It is guidance on how the Office of Civil Rights assesses the use of race in assigning students ... More

 

Update on status of the state budget
I wanted to update you on the status of the state budget as it proceeds through the General Assembly.  Yesterday, it was passed by the full House.  It will now proceed to the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee for consideration and will then have to be approved by that committee and ... More