RAWLINGS’S BILL TO ENHANCE SCHOOL-BASED DECISION MAKING HAS BEEN SIGNED INTO LAW
FRANKFORT, KY (March 26, 2025)—In a significant step toward strengthening local control in education, Senate Bill 68 (SB 68) has been signed into law. Sponsored by Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, the legislation enhances school-based decision-making by increasing collaboration between educators, parents, and communities to improve student outcomes.
SB 68 updates key sections of KRS Chapter 158 to empower local school councils with greater authority over curriculum design, staffing, student assignment, and wellness policies. The bill also modernizes budget transparency and ensures annual progress reviews to align with state educational goals.
“Our goal has always been to put decisions in the hands of those who know our students best—our local educators and school leaders,” said Rawlings. “This law strengthens our commitment to academic excellence by ensuring communities have a direct role in shaping the future of their schools.”
The passage of SB 68 reaffirms the General Assembly’s dedication to advancing education policy that prioritizes student success and local engagement. By equipping schools with the necessary tools they need to adapt to their unique challenges, Kentucky continues its tradition of fostering innovative and responsive education policies.
For more information on SB 68 and other legislative initiatives, visit Legislature.ky.gov.
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Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, represents the 11th Senate District in northern and central Boone County. Rawlings serves as co-chair of the Senate Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Banking and Insurance; Education; Health Services; and State and Local Government. Additionally, Rawlings serves on the Capital Planning Advisory Board.
For a high-resolution .jpeg file of Rawlings, please visit:
https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate111.jpg
