Prichard Committee

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

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

At Wrigley Elementary, being “family friendly” wasn’t new—it just finally had a name.

What started with a little hesitation quickly turned into validation: so much of this work was already happening. The certification process didn’t require starting over, but it did capture, elevate and strengthen the partnerships they had built with families over time.

The real takeaway? You may already be doing more than you think. The value is in documenting it, reflecting on it and using it to grow even further.

At Wrigley, certification isn’t the finish line, but it is the starting point for what’s next.
Read how they turned everyday practices into a recognized, sustainable approach to family engagement: https://t.co/6bNLftucHh

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

#ICYMI: New data show Kentucky is falling behind on preschool access despite strong quality standards.

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) recently released its 2025 State of Preschool Yearbook, offering a clear-eyed look at how states are serving their youngest learners. For Kentucky, the findings confirm what many families, educators, and advocates already know: we are not yet delivering on the promise of equitable, high-quality early learning—and the consequences are real.

Read more on the EdBlog: https://t.co/dg8CWP0VQk

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

At Morgan Central Elementary, family engagement isn’t a program—it’s a mindset.

What started as a desire to better support students grew into a schoolwide commitment to listen, adapt and partner with families in meaningful ways. Through intentional changes such as two-way communication, inclusive events and elevating family voice in decision-making—they didn’t just meet expectations… they transformed their culture.

The result was stronger relationships, increased participation and a school where families truly feel like partners in their child’s success.

For schools wondering if this work is worth it: this is what real, sustainable impact looks like.
Read how Morgan Central turned intention into transformation and why they’re just getting started: https://t.co/94gauTaVp8

#FamilyFriendlySchools

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

Kentucky has shown it can climb into the top tier nationally when it commits to evidence‑based action. The data are clear: early childhood is the Commonwealth’s clearest growth lever for mobility, workforce strength and long‑term success.

What comes next depends on the choices we make now.
📖 Read more: https://t.co/AMgIK1MWEA

#BigBoldFuture #EarlyChildhood

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

Good news! Kentucky is in the top tier of states for post-pandemic education recovery, according to the newest Education Recovery Scorecard. In her latest blog post, Prichard Committee President and CEO Brigitte Blom writes that holding on to this lead means building on Kentucky's strengths. Read more here: https://t.co/dXx32evyGW

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

At Yates Elementary in Fayette County, family engagement isn’t a checkbox, it is a continuous commitment.

After earning Family Friendly Certification, their team didn’t stop. They leaned in by listening more, improving communication, expanding family voice and strengthening community partnerships. The result? GOLD status and a stronger, more connected school community.

This is what it looks like when schools move beyond involvement to true partnership. Read how Yates Elementary turned momentum into meaningful, lasting change. https://t.co/f7dXzEXWW1

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

The state budget preserved key child care investments, but largely reflected maintenance, not momentum.

Flat preschool funding = a 30% cut in real terms since inflation. Other early childhood programs saw double‑digit reductions.

National data show Kentucky can’t afford to go backward or stand still on early childhood education.

Read the full breakdown: https://t.co/AMgIK1MWEA

#KYBudget #BigBoldFuture

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

In early childhood education, relationships are the work.

At Shacklette and Hazelwood Early Childhood Centers, Family Friendly Certification wasn’t about starting yet another initiative, it was about strengthening what matters most: trust, communication and true partnership with families.

By taking a closer look at everyday interactions, not just events, these schools built a more consistent, inclusive and welcoming experience for every family who walks through their doors.

The result was stronger connections, greater engagement and a school culture where families feel seen, heard and valued from day one.

For schools looking to make family engagement part of their identity, this is a model worth exploring. Read how they made it happen: https://t.co/mAQoVYVsep

#FamilyFriendlySchools

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

Save the date! The Prichard Committee's Annual Meeting will take place July 31–August 1 at the Gheens Foundation Lodge in Louisville.

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

#ICYMI: A new report highlights what happens when a community comes together with urgency, trust and shared purpose to build something that lasts.

In #Owensboro, the Greater Owensboro Partnership for Early Development (GOPED) has transformed early childhood from a fragmented system into a coordinated, community-driven strategy centered on advocacy, access and quality. What began with local investment and collaboration has grown into more than 30 cross-sector partnerships, expanded early learning opportunities for families, and a stronger, more aligned early care ecosystem.

That collective work is now delivering measurable impact (including a $6.6 million federal investment to expand child care capacity at the Owensboro Family YMCA) adding space for approximately 150 children in a community where access has long been a barrier for families and employers alike.

Learn More: https://t.co/j43GJ5N9XP

#EarlyChildhoodEducation

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

Family engagement is about deeper connection, not just bigger events.

At Taylor Elementary in Bracken County, this journey started with a simple but powerful shift: doing with families, not just for them. What followed was a thoughtful, two-year effort to better listen, document and respond to the real (and often unseen) barriers families face.
The result was stronger trust, more inclusive decision-making and a school community that truly feels like a village.

For schools wondering where to start, this story shows you may already be closer than you think. Read how Taylor Elementary turned reflection into lasting impact: https://t.co/18Hdd440Tw

#FamilyFriendlySchools

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

Big shifts in school governance are here.

✔️ Expanded superintendent authority in Jefferson County (Senate Bill 1)
✔️ Restructured school boards in large districts (Senate Bill 4)
✔️ Preserved school-based decision-making councils after Senate Bill 152 failed

These changes will shape how decisions are made and who has a voice.

Get the full breakdown: https://t.co/U7Vq7UpOVt

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

New pathways to college are opening for Kentucky students but not without tradeoffs.
✔️ Easier, streamlined admissions (House Bill 307)
✔️ Expanded dual credit funding (House Bill 500)
⚠️ Reduced access to AP testing
⚠️ Ongoing funding pressures for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System

These decisions will directly impact who gets access, and who succeeds, in higher education.

Learn what it means for students and families: https://t.co/ylU79Uo3HV

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

HB 6 marked one of Kentucky’s most significant early childhood policy advances in years.

The law:
• Modernizes child care regulation
• Strengthens quality through KY All STARS
• Expands access with licensed microcenters

These are important steps, but policy progress must be matched with sustained investment.
Read our analysis 🔗 https://t.co/ZMnTHGgd6C

#ChildCare #KYChamber #KYpolicy

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

At the high school level, family engagement has to be extra intentional.

At McCracken County High School, that meant rethinking how they connect with families while tackling a major school redesign. From building a cross-functional “Avengers-style” team to making simple but powerful changes like clearer communication and more welcoming spaces, their journey to Family Friendly Certification strengthened both systems and relationships.

The result was stronger family partnerships, better support for students and a clearer path forward as they transition to an academy model.

For schools wondering if this work is worth it, this is what it looks like in action. Read how they made it happen and why they’re just getting started: https://t.co/YWiQtKBBhp

#FamilyFriendlySchools

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

What should a high school diploma really mean in Kentucky?

The 2026 General Assembly moved the conversation forward with leadership investments and new pathways to opportunity.

But without stronger investment in early math and dual credit, too many students will still graduate without a clear path forward.

Kentucky’s future depends on closing that gap.

👉 Read what’s next: https://t.co/zHsJiYmHK4

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

Kentucky ranks:
• 47th in preschool enrollment
• 46th in children living above poverty
• 33rd in healthy birth weight

The gap is clear, and it starts before kindergarten. Early childhood is Kentucky’s best growth lever – its silverest bullet!

Read our 2026 Legislative Session analysis on early childhood education: https://t.co/AMgIK1MWEA

#BigBoldFuture #EarlyLearning

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

Kentucky Gives Day is going strong! I made my gift in memory of my third grade teacher Mrs. Kelly, who nurtured my love for writing. Make your gift in honor, or memory, of an education hero in your community, so we can uplift their story. #KyGive26

Give here: https://t.co/OBa7xZwz7h

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

The Prichard Committee and its Strong Start Kentucky Coalition are excited to launch an initiative to build champions for early care and education in every Kentucky community through Strong Start Circles of Trust. Civic leaders, parent and family leaders, early childhood professionals and advocates, and leaders in business and industry can join forces through the Circles of Trust to learn about what matters most for their communities and speak with one voice to their legislators and public leaders.

Strong Start Circles of Trust Information Sessions

Choose one of the following:

Thursday, May 14, 11 AM Eastern Time
Register Here: https://t.co/0hFI5Jo948

Thursday, June 11, 11 AM Eastern Time
Register Here: https://t.co/P7OJkEhIPq

[Prichard Committee @PrichardCom]

According to a new survey, Kentucky parents want to be more involved in their children’s school but barriers remain.

Only:
🏫 22% attend parent organization meetings
💰 18% feel very familiar with school budget decisions

There’s clear room to strengthen school-family partnerships. Read the full report for more on what parents are saying about education in Kentucky: https://t.co/Rm0Rwb4hUk