WEST RECOGNIZED BY KENTUCKY CHAMBER FOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP LEGISLATION

WEST RECOGNIZED BY THE KENTUCKY CHAMBER FOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP LEGISLATION

Award highlights West’s work on SB 4 to strengthen training and support for Kentucky school principals.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 7, 2026) — Sen. Steve West, R-Paris, received the 2026 MVP Award from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for his legislative leadership, including his sponsorship of Senate Bill (SB) 4, which establishes a statewide leadership development program for new school principals. 

West, chair of the Senate Education Committee, was presented with a commemorative baseball bat as part of the recognition. He was among 15 lawmakers the chamber named legislative MVPs following the 2026 Regular Session.

“A principal’s leadership touches every part of a school, from the support teachers receive to the expectations we set for students,” West said. “Senate Bill 4 gives new principals the training and mentorship they need to lead with confidence. I appreciate the Kentucky Chamber’s recognition and its commitment to this work. By bringing educators and the business community together, we can build on the Chamber Foundation’s investment in school leadership and give more principals access to tools that will benefit their teachers, students and communities.”

SB 4 establishes a statewide principal leadership development practicum beginning with the 2027–28 school year. The Kentucky Department of Education will develop and operate the four-year framework, which provides professional learning and mentorship during the first two years, an intensive leadership program in the third year as funding is available and optional advanced training in the fourth year.

The third-year program will be established in partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation and include intensive summer training followed by sessions throughout the school year. The approach builds on the Foundation’s Leadership Institute for School Principals, offered in partnership with the Truist Leadership Institute.

The existing institute focuses on practical leadership skills, including managing change and building strong school cultures. According to the foundation, more than 600 principals representing 112 Kentucky counties have graduated from the program.

SB 4 was a Senate priority measure during the 2026 Regular Session and became law April 14 after the General Assembly overrode the governor’s veto.

The Kentucky Chamber’s annual MVP recognition honors legislators whose work advances its policy priorities, strengthens Kentucky’s business climate and supports economic growth. For more information, visit kychamber.com. 

Learn more about bills, committees, and other important updates on the 2026 Regular Session at www.kylegislature.gov.

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