The Senate Education Committee is backing a significant change to Kentucky's Education Reform Law. The measure, approved Thursday, would change the role of school councils across the state.
Bill Sponsor John Schickel says councils would no longer be involved in the hiring of principals and teachers. He believes that authority should rest with school superintendents and principals.
"It's hard to ask someone to manage something, but not give them the proper tools or authority,” said Schickel. “In my mind and in the minds of many people it’s a flawed system, a flaw in generally what's a very good system."
Heather Aldridge, president of the Kentucky Association of School Councils, says school based councils demonstrate collaboration.
Aldridge testified in opposition to the measure.
"Drawing upon my personal experience from a variety of roles that I have held, a council member's number one role is to enhance student achievement above all else," said Aldridge.
Schickel, meanwhile, says the legislation will likely pass the Senate, but he doesn't expect it to make it through the House.
