A Celebration of Educational Excellence: Kentucky Honors Schools for Best Practices

Educators, administrators, and school leaders from across the state converged in Lexington, Kentucky, for the 2024 Continuous Improvement Summit. The event, hosted by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), showcased a range of outstanding educational programs and practices that are making a difference in Kentucky classrooms.

Recognizing Achievement: KDE Awards Best Practices

The summit culminated with the presentation of 16 awards for best practices, recognizing schools and districts that demonstrate exceptional commitment to student learning and achievement. Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher expressed pride in the educators and their dedication to providing engaging educational opportunities for Kentucky children.

Highlights of the Summit

The summit offered a platform for educational leaders to engage in professional development, explore innovative teaching strategies, and connect with peers from across the state. Attendees gained valuable insights into best practices that enhance student learning and achievement.

Financial Support for School Improvement

Each recipient of a Best Practice award received a $500 grant to support school improvement initiatives. This financial assistance recognizes the valuable contributions of the awardees and provides them with resources to further enhance their programs.

A Legacy of Best Practices

The KDE's commitment to promoting best practices in education extends beyond the annual summit. In 2013, KDE established the Best Practices and Sustainability website, serving as a comprehensive resource for educators seeking proven strategies that enhance student learning and achievement. The website features a diverse collection of effective practices, offering practical solutions for teachers, administrators, and district personnel.

Contributing to a Brighter Future for Kentucky Students

The 2024 Continuous Improvement Summit stands as a testament to the dedication and innovation of Kentucky's educators. The summit served as a powerful platform for sharing best practices, fostering collaboration, and inspiring educators to strive for continuous improvement. By recognizing and supporting schools and districts implementing best practices, the KDE empowers educators to create a brighter future for all Kentucky students.

Investing in Our Future: Kentucky’s Riverports Get Funding Boost

Kentucky's commitment to its transportation infrastructure extends beyond roads and highways. The state recognizes the vital role played by its riverports in driving economic growth and facilitating the efficient movement of goods. In August, Governor Andy Beshear announced a substantial investment of $5.5 million in 16 Kentucky public riverport projects, underscoring the state's dedication to its waterways economy.

A Strategic Investment in the Future

This investment, part of the Team Kentucky initiative, signifies a forward-looking approach to strengthening Kentucky's transportation infrastructure. The funds will support essential projects such as dredging, mooring and warehouse repairs, and port equipment purchases, ensuring that these vital gateways remain operational and continue to contribute to the state's economic prosperity.

A Multi-Million Dollar Commitment

In early 2024, the Kentucky General Assembly allocated $15 million over two years for the newly established Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance (KPRCM) grant program. The KPRCM grant, along with the Kentucky Riverport Improvement (KRI) grant, provides financial support for the maintenance, improvement, and expansion of Kentucky's public riverports. To date, the state has awarded more than $5 million for eight projects through the KPRCM grant, and $500,000 for eight projects through the KRI grant.

A Vision for a Thriving Waterways Economy

Governor Beshear, recognizing the significant economic impact of Kentucky's riverports, highlighted the importance of this investment in strengthening the state's logistics infrastructure. The funding will facilitate the expansion of capacity, enabling the state to handle increased business and retain more economic activity within its borders.

Collaborative Efforts to Drive Growth

The Water Transportation Advisory Board, comprised of transportation experts and stakeholders, played a key role in evaluating and recommending the projects for approval. The projects received final approval from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, highlighting the collaborative efforts underway to enhance Kentucky's transportation infrastructure.

Strengthening Kentucky's Economic Backbone

The investment in Kentucky's public riverports underscores the state's commitment to its waterways economy, recognizing their crucial role in supporting economic growth and job creation. The projects will enhance the efficiency and functionality of the riverports, ensuring that they remain a vital part of Kentucky's transportation network. These investments will drive economic development, supporting both current and future generations of Kentuckians.