Prichard Committee

A nonprofit dedicated to improving education outcomes in Kentucky - ensuring economic & social well-being. Join us! Follow our President & CEO @Brigitte_Blom

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Behind the scenes!

We filmed something special last week in honor of the 2026 High School Teacher Prize winner. The prize will be presented at the Prichard Committee Annual Meeting on the evening of Friday, July 31.

There is still time to register: https://t.co/xMlNi1EHUR

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Last month, the Prichard Committee was honored to attend the Kentucky Bar Foundation luncheon, where we were recognized as a Kentucky Bar Foundation grant recipient for a new project focused on helping Kentucky families, schools, and communities better understand and address chronic absenteeism.

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Kentucky has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine education.

House Bill 257 brings new approaches to writing across the curriculum, vibrant learning experiences, local accountability and measuring student success beyond standardized tests. But its success depends on all of us.

The Prichard Committee's new HB 257 resource hub helps families, educators, community members and business leaders understand what's changing and how to help bring these opportunities to life in every Kentucky community.

Explore the resources: https://t.co/63ROyVNm57

Want to learn more? Join us Aug. 1 in Louisville for a free Annual Meeting session on HB 257. Register here: https://t.co/6KSOQZf84f

#KyEd #Kentucky #Education #UnitedWeLearn

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The Prichard Committee's Kentucky Family Friendly Schools Director Grace Mckenzie will be presenting at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center’s Annual Virtual Family Engagement Summit. This year's Summit is Sept. 18 and is FREE to attend.

Grace will be facilitating a session called “Principals Leading Family Friendly Schools” with Mandy Sagrecy, Washington County Middle School principal, and Beth Hathaway, Kenton County Elementary Assistant principal. Learn more and register here: https://t.co/PfZWQ80ygp

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Time is running out to register for the Prichard Committee's 2026 Annual Meeting July 31-Aug. 1 in Louisville!

Join us Friday evening to be part of charting our “Path to a Larger Life”: Realizing our Upward Mobility Mission.
Special Guests for the Evening Include:
Dr. Robbie Fletcher, Kentucky Commissioner of Education,
Dr. Michael Clark, Center for Business and Economic Research, University of Kentucky Adria Johnson, President & CEO, Metro United Way

Join us Saturday for a session on equipping communities for local implementation of new education legislation, HB257 (2026). The theme is "Going from Good to Great in Kentucky’s Education Reform Story Building the Next Generation of Mobilization." There is no charge to attend this day!

*IMPORTANT NOTE: You must register for each day separately. The cost for Friday evening is $100. Saturday is FREE. If you are attending both Friday and Saturday, please register for Friday, and then complete a second registration for Saturday. Please use code SATURDAYONLY on the Saturday Registration – this will waive the attendance fee for that day.

See the full agenda and register here: https://t.co/6KSOQZf84f

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It has been a busy and exciting week across the Commonwealth!

👏 Congratulations to the newest graduates of the Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership (CIPL) in Bowling Green! These dedicated parent leaders have strengthened their leadership skills and are ready to create lasting change for children, families, schools and their community.

We're also excited to welcome Naug Meh as our newest CIPL facilitator! She did a fantastic job leading this cohort, and we're thrilled to have her on the CIPL team.

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful community partners who helped make this cohort possible:
💙 United Way of Southern Kentucky
💙 Faith Methodist Church
💙 Bowling Green Parks & Recreation
💙 The Family Enrichment Center

This past week also marked the second meeting of the Community Voice–Voz Latina Advisory Council. This dedicated group of parent leaders is hard at work planning several back-to-school activities designed to support and connect families in their community. We appreciate their passion, leadership, and commitment to ensuring every family has opportunities to engage and thrive.

Together, we're building stronger families, stronger schools, and stronger communities, one parent leader at a time

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Join us July 31-August 1 at The Gheens Foundation Lodge in Louisville.

Our annual gathering brings together members, partners, and supporters from across Kentucky to reflect on our shared work, celebrate progress, and engage in meaningful conversations about the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The conversations at this year’s member meeting will center around Measures of Upward Mobility in service to ensuring improvement in education results in “a path to a larger life” for all Kentuckians, and how communities - and the state - can create the conditions that break cycles of generational poverty and improve our state’s economic outlook.

Register here: https://t.co/WqLXok7LTx

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Greenup County School of Innovation's journey to Family Friendly Schools Certification through the Prichard Committee grew from a simple belief: students succeed when families feel welcomed, respected and truly part of the school community. In a rural community where schools serve as the heart of connection, they recognized the need to be even more intentional about building trust, removing barriers and strengthening communication with every family.

Learn more: https://t.co/x40PlG8R0v

#FamilyFriendlySchools

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"My goal of obtaining certification became a shared realization among our school leadership team to create meaningful family engagement and participation. While Morgan County High School has always valued community involvement, we recognized gaps in how we were reaching all families. After reviewing previous survey data, sign-in sheets of after school events, and discussing feedback from parents, it became clear that we needed a more intentional approach to partnering with families. We knew we could do better," writes Danell McKinney, assistant principal at Morgan County High School.

For schools considering this work, #FamilyFriendlySchools Certification offers both structure and challenge—and a powerful opportunity to build stronger, more connected communities for students. https://t.co/DJOK3AFTfM

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All seven schools in Campbell County have now earned Family Friendly Schools Certification from the Prichard Committee—a recognition of what happens when schools intentionally put relationships with families at the center of their work.

Through a rigorous application process and independent review, these schools demonstrated what strong family engagement looks like in action: consistent communication, creative outreach and a commitment to meeting families where they are.

For schools considering where to start or how to grow, Family Friendly Schools Certification offers both a framework and a path forward. Campbell County’s example shows what’s possible when that work is embraced across an entire district.

https://t.co/xIkVHjv6Jl

#FamilyFriendlySchools

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At Boone County Head Start, family engagement is rooted in everything they do, from their mission and values to the daily work of supporting children and families.

Earning Family Friendly Schools Certification through the Prichard Committee was a natural extension of that commitment. It gave them the opportunity to reflect, refine and strengthen practices already grounded in empathy, dignity and partnership.

Read more: https://t.co/T5l56aPvUy

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Picadome Elementary's journey to Family Friendly Certification reflects years of relationship-building, reflection and growth. What began as a focus on trust and access has evolved into a deeper shift toward listening, shared leadership and true two-way communication.

From student-led conferences in welcoming community spaces to intentional efforts to remove language and access barriers, they are continuously refining how they partner with families—and learning from them in the process.

Learn more: https://t.co/uEHycKEHbF

#FamilyFriendlySchools

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Fathers Who Lead: Applications Open Through July 15

Doug Jones of the Prichard Committee highlights the importance of fathers being actively engaged in their children’s education, because when fathers are involved, children are more supported, more confident, and more likely to succeed.

👉 Click the blog post to hear from Doug Jones, Prichard Committee member. https://t.co/cDXH6ZK8Ul

We are now accepting applications for the Father Leaders in Education Class through July 15. If you’re interested in growing your leadership and making a difference for students and families, we invite you to apply: 👉 https://t.co/Xs0pvbmAfx

Commonwealth Center for Fathers & Families #FathersWhoLead #FathersDay #CIPL #FamilyEngagement #FatherLeadersInEducation

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As father of our two young boys, I didn't see my role as choosing their path or removing every obstacle. I wanted to love them... to be present, to pay attention, to listen, to encourage, to help when needed, and then to step back as they found their own direction. Every path in life brings opportunities and challenges, and learning how to navigate them is part of growing up.

School is one of the early opportunities and challenges our kids face. Being involved in my sons' education was never just about grades or achievement. It was one way of saying, "I care about you. I'm paying attention. I'm here for you." Looking back, I hope that is what they remember most. Whether at school, at home, on a playing field, or later in life, children benefit when they know the adults who love them are showing up, paying attention, and walking beside them. Mothers and fathers both have an important role to play in that journey.

In my son's words, "From my earliest days in school, dad was involved. He helped me with things like Accelerated Reader and the gifted and talented program, asked questions of my teachers, showed up for activities, and supported me through Cub Scouts, archery, soccer, and more. He even got involved with the school board, which I thought was so cool, even though at the time I did not fully understand what all of that meant.

What I did understand was that he did not have to do those things. He went above and beyond because he cared. His involvement showed me that my education mattered, that learning mattered, and that I mattered.

I think my dad and my mom both helped instill in me a lifelong curiosity, a love of learning, and a desire to keep growing and understanding more about the world. Looking back, his involvement in my education was one of the clearest ways he showed his love."

I encourage every father to be as involved in your children's education as you can. No need to direct, push or dictate. Just love them.

Larry Holladay is a Prichard Committee member, former local school board member, community volunteer, father of two sons, and a proud grandpa.

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"I have seen a lot of changes at my school: the environment, culture, teacher to teacher, teacher to student, teacher to parent, all have improved since we have started this work. I love my school and its welcoming culture!"
– Family Friendly School Teacher

The Prichard Committee is now enrolling schools nationwide to participate in the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 National Family Friendly Schools cohorts. Family Friendly Schools is a national certification process that helps schools strengthen, sustain, and celebrate meaningful family partnerships to improve student success and school culture.

Learn more: https://t.co/UFpxGo4TZV

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Our Fathers That Lead series highlights the voices of fathers who are leading with purpose, strengthening relationships, and making a difference in the lives of their children and communities.

Today’s reflection comes from Delaney Stephens, a father from south central Kentucky and a staff member at the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, where he serves as the Director of Meaningful Diploma work.

"When I think about what it means to be a father, I keep coming back to presence. Not perfection, but presence. My kids are growing up fast, full of curiosity and creativity, and opinions about everything, and the greatest gift I can offer isn’t advice or answers. It’s attention. Being the person who shows up, who notices, who stays in the room even when life is pulling in a dozen other directions. That’s the father I’m working to be. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads doing the same."

We are now accepting applications for the Father Leaders in Education Class through July 15. If you’re interested in growing your leadership and making a difference for students and families, we invite you to apply: 👉 https://t.co/Xs0pvbmAfx

#FathersWhoLead #FathersDay #CIPL #FamilyEngagement #FatherLeadersInEducation

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As part of our Fathers Who Lead series, we continue highlighting fathers who lead in their families, schools, and communities.

Meet Keric, an educator, coach, and mentor to all. Keric is known for showing up consistently, not only for students and athletes, but most importantly for his own children. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to learning, encouragement, and support.

When asked about their father’s impact, Keric’s children shared:
“It is important to have my dad involved in my education because if I’m having trouble with something he makes things easier and he has the access to assist with other needs.” — Z. J. Jackson

“My dad is able to encourage me through my anxiety as I am working, giving strong examples and helps build my grades.” — K. C. A. Seals

“My dad is really helpful because sometimes teachers do not teach things that my dad does and many times when I learn new things in class I have already learned them from my dad.” — X. K. R. Seals

Keric’s story is a powerful reminder that when fathers are engaged, they don’t just support learning—they help make learning more accessible, less stressful, and more connected to students’ confidence and growth.

We are also now accepting applications for the Father Leaders in Education Class through July 15. If you are interested in growing your leadership and impact in schools and communities, you can apply here:
👉 https://t.co/Xs0pvbmAfx

Thank you, Keric, for being a mentor, educator, and steady source of encouragement at home and beyond.

#FathersWhoLead #FamilyEngagement #CIPL #FatherLeadersInEducation #StrongerTogether

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As part of our Fathers Who Lead series, we continue highlighting fathers who lead in their families, schools, and communities.

Meet Travis, a father of two whose leadership spans education and community partnership. Travis has served as an educator, principal, SBDM parent representative, and a Community Schools and Partnership Schools director. Across each of these roles, he has focused on strengthening the connection between schools, families, and student success.

For Travis, that leadership also shows up in everyday involvement at home and school:

“I’ve found that staying connected with my children’s teachers has helped me become more involved in their learning and daily experiences. It gives me insight to have more meaningful conversations about their day and allows me to step in and support classwork or address school-related challenges when they arise. One simple but important step was making sure I was enrolled in the school’s communication platform so I could stay informed, receive updates, and easily reach out with questions. Being engaged in this way has strengthened my partnership with the school and helped me better support my children’s success.”

Travis’s story is a reminder that consistent communication and small, intentional steps can build strong partnerships that support student learning and growth.

Thank you, Travis, for showing what it looks like to lead in schools, in communities, and at home.

#FathersWhoLead #FamilyEngagement #CIPL #StrongerTogether

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"To see that all Campbell County schools received the Family Friendly Certification speaks volumes to our commitment for reconnecting with families and building that relationship between home and school after the pandemic changed our ways of living," writes Sarah Sterling, family resource coordinator at Campbell Ridge Elementary.

Learn how achieving Family Friendly Certification helped Campbell Ridge Elementary use data to better engage with parents and community members:
https://t.co/mzRsjhirLP

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As Father's Day approaches, we're celebrating fathers who lead in their families, schools, and communities.

Meet Dante, a father who believes that showing up makes a difference. In addition to supporting his own family, Dante volunteers with NAMI, leads peer support parent groups, and is a member of the current Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership (CIPL) class.

His commitment reminds us that leadership isn't always about having the loudest voice, it’s about being present, building relationships, and investing in the success of children and families.

We are now accepting applications for the Father Leaders in Education Class through July 15. If you’re interested in growing your leadership and making a difference for students and families, we invite you to apply:
👉 https://t.co/Xs0pvbmAfx

Thank you, Dante, for leading by example and demonstrating the impact one engaged father can have.
#FathersWhoLead #FathersDay #CIPL #FamilyEngagement #FatherLeadersInEducation