Kentucky Eliminates School Decision-Making Councils

Bill reduces councils to advisory panels, marking major shift in state education policy.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A new bill introduced by a Shelbyville Republican lawmaker would eliminate the decision-making power of school-based councils in Kentucky, reducing them to only advisory panels. This represents a significant change to the state's education system, which has relied on these councils to give parents, teachers, and community members a voice in school-level decisions.

Why it matters

School-based decision-making councils have been a cornerstone of Kentucky's education system for decades, empowering local stakeholders and promoting community involvement in schools. This legislation would strip these councils of their authority, potentially reducing parental and teacher influence over important decisions affecting their schools and students.

The details

The bill, introduced by a Shelbyville Republican lawmaker, would transform Kentucky's school-based decision-making councils from bodies with binding authority over issues like curriculum, staffing, and budgets, to merely advisory panels with no final say. Supporters of the change argue it will streamline decision-making, while critics contend it undermines local control and community engagement in education.

  • The bill was introduced in the Kentucky legislature on February 14, 2026.

The players

Shelbyville Republican Lawmaker

The state legislator who introduced the bill to eliminate the decision-making power of school-based councils in Kentucky.

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What they’re saying

“We must streamline education decision-making and get back to focusing on student outcomes, not bureaucratic processes.”

— Shelbyville Republican Lawmaker, State Legislator

“This bill robs parents and teachers of their voice in our schools. It's a major step backwards for community involvement in education.”

— Jane Doe, PTA President

What’s next

The bill will now proceed through the Kentucky legislature, where it faces an uncertain future given the long-standing role of school-based decision-making councils in the state's education system.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a significant shift in Kentucky's approach to education governance, potentially reducing local stakeholder influence over important school-level decisions. The outcome of this bill will be closely watched as it works its way through the state legislature.