Spurred by a 1989 state Supreme Court finding of widespread spending inequities throughout the public school system, the legislature passed the Kentucky Education Reform Act in 1990. State and local taxes have been raised to equalize funding between poor and wealthy communities. Spending inequities have fallen by more than 50 percent. But the reform is about much more than money.
Individual schools are now directly accountable for academic achievement.
Top performing schools are rewarded. Those that do not eventually improve receive sanctions, including dismissal of principals and teachers. Student test scores have risen somewhat, but they are still short of what the state hopes for. This is a working document. Your comments and suggestions are encouraged.