WCPS Superintendent speaks about the future of school funding in Kentucky

WARREN COUNTY, Ky. – At Rich Pond Elementary in Warren County, superintendent Rob Clayton spoke to a press pool about what he thinks would be the best move forward financially for schools in the Commonwealth.

Clayton believes that the state needs to make teacher pay competitive but to do so in such a way that also continues giving students the best services possible.

Neighboring Tennessee has been able to pay teachers more than Kentucky which has resulted in many leaving for higher pay. This has left many schools in the Commonwealth running lean, and not just teachers, this includes WCPS whose director of transportation often drives a bus for the district.

“The most recent data that we have denotes that we’re roughly 25% behind the private sector when educating our current employees, primarily our certified educators. But then when you look at our classified positions, you’ll notice that it’s upwards of 40% below the market average,” Clayton said.

His hope is that funding could return to levels that are similar to 2008 levels. His ultimate hope would be roughly $5,400 per student. This would enable to growing district to provide much more effective services to its student body.