Contact:
Mara Powell
502-895-8167 *122
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

Kentucky students deserve to learn and grow in a safe environment with effective educators committed to each student’s success. Today, the Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 69, which would ensure Kentucky students have educators who work effectively and safely with children by implementing a balanced process for reviewing cases when an educator is dismissed. The tribunal process, which is the process for educators who are dismissed to appeal that decision, has resulted in inconsistent results and, in a majority of cases, superintendent decisions are overturned, meaning that a teacher returns to the classroom.

A more balanced and consistent process for reviewing cases, as proposed in SB 69, would preserve the important due process rights of the teacher while creating a more structured process. We are encouraged by the work of Senator Stephen West, and as he and the other members of the committee continue to refine the processes, we believe Kentucky can effectively balance student safety and the protection of teachers with SB 69.