WEST BILL BUILDS ON SCHOOL INNOVATION ACT TO EXPAND FLEXIBILITY FOR KENTUCKY SCHOOLS

WEST BILL BUILDS ON SCHOOL INNOVATION ACT

 TO EXPAND FLEXIBILITY FOR KENTUCKY SCHOOLS

Measure refines waiver process and launches pilot program for innovative school models

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 17, 2026) — The Senate has passed Senate Bill (SB) 263 sponsored by Sen. Steve West, R-Paris, who serves as the chair of the Senate Education Committee. The measure enhances the state’s Schools of Innovation program, which gives local districts greater ability to improve student achievement by piloting innovative instructional methods and increasing local flexibility in designing school instruction. At the same time, it gives local schools greater authority to implement reforms.

SB 263 continues the work of SB 207, the Schools of Innovation law, which was passed in the 2025 Legislative Session. Under the law, public schools in Kentucky may apply for waivers from specific state statutes and administrative regulations to test new instructional approaches within the public school system.

SB 263 makes some reforms to the original law, including changes to the waiver process and greater flexibility for schools and districts to apply for waivers. It requires the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) to assist districts with waiver applications and act on requests within 30 days. The bill also clarifies districts will not face penalties for actions previously approved by KDE under an innovation plan.

The proposal includes a pilot project that will consist of at least three unique schools statewide and must operate under certain conditions. Participating schools may not operate as virtual programs. Applications must propose a significant innovative educational opportunity to improve student outcomes and must identify matching funds from district revenues, philanthropic contributions or other dedicated sources to support the school through the duration of the pilot program.

“Last year, we made it possible for schools to try out innovative ideas while still maintaining key standards and oversight,” West said. “Senate Bill 263 makes it easier by streamlining and clarifying the process so more districts have an efficient and practical way to pursue new approaches and address student achievement challenges.”

The bill establishes an innovation pilot project fund within KDE. Participating schools also could use district money, private donations and other funds. Under the measure, participating school districts would also have to report to the Legislative Research Commission so lawmakers can gauge whether the program is making a difference and whether further changes are needed. The report must include a description of the school district’s innovative activities, partners, services and academic programs provided, general accounting and more. 

West says the legislation acknowledges that the General Assembly's focus remains on providing local educators with the proper tools to address classroom challenges while maintaining sufficient control and public accountability.

“Education policy should give schools the tools they need to adapt and improve,” West said. “By building on the foundation we set last year, this legislation refines the process and gives schools more room to pursue solutions that work best for the students they serve.”

SB 263 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.