New school year, new opportunities

By Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe

As the 2024-25 school year begins, I wish all students, teachers, school staff, and parents a successful year ahead. This upcoming school year is a crucial opportunity for all of us, as a community, to contribute to the growth and development of our students.

The 2024 Legislative Session was a budget year, and we are proud of our work. The current state budget dedicates the largest share of state revenues to public education. This session saw record funding for public education, with $5.7 billion allocated for K-12 education in 2025 and $6.1 billion in 2026. These investments are a testament to the Kentucky General Assembly’s unwavering commitment to invest in the education of the commonwealth’s next generation.

Our top priority must always be the safety of our children. In the last session, we allocated $15 million annually to the Center for School Safety. Additionally, we increased funding for school resource officers’ salaries, totaling $16.5 million for 2025 and $18 million for 2026. Lawmakers committed over $500 million in additional funds to schools. Many districts have used this financial flexibility to raise pay for school personnel or support programs for students. Our efforts in Kentucky have been recognized as aspects of our school safety laws have been adopted in at least 28 states.  While there is still more to be done, and I anticipate the accomplishments we can achieve during the 2025 Legislative Session.

I am grateful to everyone who ensures the best education possible for students in our district. Working with our superintendents and engaging with community members is a true pleasure.

As the new school year begins, please remember to be cautious on the road. Our children are walking to and from school, loading onto buses, and taking rides home. Drive slowly, buckle up, and put your phone down. Be mindful of school buses stopping to pick up and drop off students. Always come to a complete stop and watch for children entering and exiting their buses.
Lawmakers continued their own education at the National Conference for State Legislatures (NCSL) just last week, hosted in Louisville for the first time in over a decade. More than 5,500 attendees joined us in Louisville with the anticipated economic impact for the city close to $5 million. With over 100 policy sessions, I was eager to participate in this critical conference where policymakers from across the nation gather to learn the latest on education, transportation, justice, budget, and so many more important issues. I serve as an NCSL Budget and Revenue Standing Committee member and led a discussion entitled “New Trends in Campaigning.” NCSL allows your legislators to identify best practices developed in other states and see ways we may use them here in the commonwealth.

I wish each student, teacher, parent and support staff an excellent start to the school year. I anticipate seeing your successes throughout the school year and beyond. I encourage all seniors to take special note of the memories you are making today that may have an impact on the remainder of your life, seemingly fleeting memories you will hold dear and will ultimately miss. Maximize the support from your loved ones, teachers, and friends as you look ahead to your life after high school. Do your best to identify your interests and aspirations, whether going directly into the workforce or toward a post-secondary education. Have an outstanding year!

Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, represents the 12th Senate District, including Boyle, Mercer and Woodford Counties and part of Fayette County. She serves as a Senate member of the Appropriations and Revenue Interim Joint Committee; the Families and Children Interim Joint Committee; the Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Interim Joint Committee; the Local Government Interim Joint Committee; and the State Government Interim Joint Committee.

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