Education

State Funding for Clark County Schools Under Threat

Casey Castle and The Winchester Sun — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:13:57 +0000

The exact repercussions of the Clark County Board of Education’s decision to halt the direct facilities are finally known. In a letter sent to the board from Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday, seven steps are laid out for the board to return to the current facilities. Failure to comply and enact these sevens steps will result in a loss of SEEK money for the district. SEEK money is awarded by the state to school districts based on attendance.

Faculty complain of secrecy as EKU reallocates 10 percent of its budget

Linda Blackford and Lexington Herald Leader — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:46:29 +0000

In February, Eastern Kentucky University President Doug Whitlock made a startling announcement: The Richmond university would set aside $23 million, or 10 percent of its budget, to fund new programs and raise salaries. This "reallocation" meant cuts for many existing programs, raising plenty of concerns and questions among faculty and staff. Whitlock appointed a Strategic Budget Reallocation Task Force, made up of administrators and the chairwoman of the faculty senate, to recommend what should get cut. It has met behind closed doors for the past three months. Read more...

ABC Reporter returns to Centre

Todd Kleffman and The Advocate Messenger — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:36:33 +0000

Martha Raddatz told one on herself Sunday during her commencement address to Centre College’s Class of 2013. The highly decorated and respected ABC foreign correspondent who has reported from war zones around the world, the White House and the Pentagon, the woman who held Vice President Joe Biden and Congressman Paul Ryan in check during their feisty debate at Centre last fall, never made it through college. Centre helped Raddatz fill that void in her life, bestowing on her an honorary degree. Read more...

State Report Shows College Graduations Stagnant

Louisville Public Media — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:52:02 +0000

More than 61,000 students are estimated to receive a degree or credential from one of Kentucky’s public and independent colleges and universities in 2013—slightly fewer than the year before, according to Kentucky's Council on Postsecondary Education. The CPE released its preliminary degrees report Thursday, you can find it here. Overall, public colleges and universities are expected to award fewer degrees this year than last, while the independent system will increase its awards. When averaged, this represents a less than one percent decrease in total degrees for all of Kentucky’s public and independent colleges and universities. Read more...

New law ramps up technical education

Kentucky News Content Service — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:19:45 +0000

Gov. Steve Beshear on Wednesday signed House Bill 207 that unites the state’s two Career and Technical Education (CTE) systems under the guidance of Kentucky’s Department of Education. The goal is to create a unified, more relevant and efficient system to educate and prepare students for the world of work in a real-life setting, according to a news release from the governor's office.

Campuses confer estimated 61,472 degrees, credentials

Kentucky News Content Service — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:18:14 +0000

Officials at Kentucky’s public and independent colleges and universities estimate that they have conferred 61,472 degrees and credentials during the 2012‐13 academic year, with historic levels continuing at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s and professional practice doctoral levels. The Preliminary 2012-13 Degrees Report, issued today by the Council on Postsecondary Education, shows declines for research doctorates and in undergraduate and graduate certificates. A slight overall decrease of less than one percent is estimated for total degrees and credentials conferred this year since last year’s historic total.

Adult Education Offers Free GED Testing

Louisville Public Media — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:15:38 +0000

Over the next few weeks, the state is offering free GED testing to eligible Kentucky residents . The GED Testing Service hasn’t updated the high school equivalency exam in nearly a decade. Beginning in January 2014, the new test will be more closely aligned with the common core standards many states have already adopted. The testing fee will also double to $120. Read more...

Bank donates $100K to new college in Casey

Larry Rowell and Casey County News — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:19:48 +0000

With fundraising having begun for the $3.6 million Casey County Education and Community Center in downtown Liberty, a local bank has stepped up in a big way. The board of directors at Casey County Bank presented Mayor Steve Sweeney and Casey County Judge-Executive Ronald Wright with a check for $100,000 on Tuesday at a ceremony at the bank. Construction is expected to start in the fall. Read more...

Kentuckians Use In-State Tuition Agreement More Than Hoosiers

Louisville Public Media — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:46:40 +0000

More Kentucky students attend Indiana colleges and universities where they can get in-state tuition than the other way around. Kentucky and Indiana officials have announced that they're extending the agreement that allows students to pay in-state tuition at certain colleges and universities across the Ohio River. The extension was approved by the two states' higher education agencies as its expiration date approached this summer. Read more...

Horsemen, Engineers work on Safety for Horses, Riders

Katie Brandenburg and The Bowling Green Daily News — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:31:55 +0000

A loud snap echoed through a building at Western Kentucky University on Monday as another pair of leather reins finally split in two. Civil engineering professor Matt Dettman helped destroy numerous horse-racing reins as part of a project aimed at finding the weak points of those products. The testing could help set an industry standard for reins to better protect horses and their riders. Representatives of the Jockeys’ Guild, The Jockey Club and the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association gathered at WKU to watch a variety of reins being tested in an effort to help refine a standard. ”If they’re going to be instigating a new rein, they want to be comfortable with it,” Dettman said. To his knowledge, WKU is the only university doing this kind of testing, he said. Read more...

Ohio School welcomes Murray President

Murray Ledger & Times — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:59:04 +0000

The chairman of Youngstown State University’s board of trustees says the board wants Murray State University President Dr. Randy Dunn to start his new job on the Youngstown, Ohio campus as soon as possible. On Friday, the YSU trustees voted 8-0 to authorize the board's chair and vice chair to negotiate and execute an employment contract with Dunn to start as YSU’s next president. In an emailed statement Monday, Dunn said he and his wife, Dr. Ronda Dunn, hoped to get started at YSU in about two months. Read more...

Harlan High Principal now District's Superintendent

Nola Sizemore and Harlan Daily Enterprise — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:53:54 +0000

Beginning his career in education at Harlan Independent Schools 22 years ago, Harlan High School Principal C.D. Morton was chosen as the district’s new superintendent by the Harlan Independent Board of Education at a special called meeting on Monday. After going into executive session per KRS 61.810 (1.f), the board returned with an unanimous decision to appoint Morton to a four-year term as superintendent. Read more...

Vet Graduations a record breaker at EKU

Stu Johnson — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:20:21 +0000

Among the hundreds of men and women who graduated over the weekend from Eastern Kentucky University, there were 90 veterans. That’s an all-time best for EKU’s department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Director Al Back says many of those vets still want to serve their country. “And our degree programs are service oriented. And I think when they come out of the service, that’s what they are looking for. I think that’s why Eastern has the large student population whether it be in police studies, criminal justice, homeland security or the fire science program, emergency medical science, nursing, and teaching. They’re still wanting to serve their communities after they leave the service,” said Back.

Youngstown State offers Presidency to Dunn

Murray Ledger & Times — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:33:50 +0000

The Youngstown State University Board of Trustees voted unanimously Friday to offer the position of president to Murray State University President Dr. Randy J. Dunn. The appointment is not final until contract terms can be reached. Dunn would replace Cynthia E. Anderson, who is retiring June 30 after three years as president and 34 years with the university.

State, Clark County School Board discuss Facilities

Jim Warren and Lexington Herald Leader — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:16:55 +0000

A complex Clark County Public Schools facilities plan that calls for closing several outmoded schools and moving students to new locations continues to generate controversy six years after the school board approved it. Things came to a head last month, when a new majority on the Clark County Board of Education voted not to spend money to reconfigure two schools, a step intended to prepare for implementation of the facilities plan in the fall. State Education Commissioner Terry Holliday has called Clark school board representatives to meet with state education officials in Frankfort on Wednesday to talk about the impasse.

Bus Safety Improved after Carrollton Bus Crash

Sarah Bennett and The News Enterprise — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:08:31 +0000

Twenty-five years ago, 15-year-old Quinton Higgins spent about a month in Kosair Children’s Hospital after suffering lung damage and second- and third-degree burns in the fiery Carrolton bus crash. Today, Higgins drives a Hardin County Schools bus. The differences between the bus he drives every school day and the repurposed 1977 Ford B-700 school bus he was in that night in 1988 are like “night and day,” Higgins said.

First Lady Urges Grads to Serve Community

Stu Johnson — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:12:32 +0000

Many college graduates across Kentucky may be set on finding just the right job. But, they were reminded over the weekend of other priorities. During commencement exercises Saturday evening at Eastern Kentucky University, First Lady Michelle Obama reminded graduates that providing ‘service’ to the community should be a priority after college.

Michelle Obama speaks at EKU's graduation

Linda Blackford and Lexington Herald Leader — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:57:47 +0000

RICHMOND — First lady Michelle Obama chose to speak at Eastern Kentucky University's graduation Saturday because of its often-celebrated work with veterans, and in her speech she urged graduates to take the values they learned here out into the world.

Obama Visit Complicates EKU Commencement

Stu Johnson, WEKU — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:35:04 +0000

Long lines are likely at Eastern Kentucky University tomorrow evening during a visit by America’s First Lady. Michelle Obama addresses some 600 Eastern Kentucky University graduates, families and friends. "You’ll not be able to bring bottled water, an umbrella, items like pocket knives as those items will have to be disposed of as you’re coming into the building,” said EKU spokesman Marc Whitt.

EKU's New President Endorses Cost Cutting Plans

Charles Compton — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:14:19 +0000

Cost cutting plans at Eastern Kentucky University were endorsed today by the school’s next president. Doctor Michael Benson, who takes over as president this August, agreed to disassemble Continuing Education and Outreach at EKU, eliminating its top two officials. The school will also review its regional campus program, close its center at Fort Knox and re-purpose its campus in Lancaster.

Western Proposes Budget Cuts

Chuck Mason — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:13:52 +0000

Keeping his word to avoid across-the-board cuts to meet a projected $2,139,000 revenue shortfall, Western Kentucky University President Gary Ransdell on Wednesday announced a three-pronged strategy developed by the WKU Administrative Cabinet to a balanced budget. No job cuts are mentioned, but financial help on employees’ cellphone expenses was chopped as the cabinet reached into pockets and pocketbooks. The biggest slice is a 5 percent cut of university financial subsidy for the WKU Athletic Department over the next five years.

UK Task Force to Examine Alcohol Policy

Linda B. Blackford and Lexington Herald-Leader — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:14:57 +0000

University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto appointed a task force Tuesday to examine longtime rules that strictly limit alcohol on campus. The 15-member group, which includes a mix of university officials and community representatives, is called the Work Group on Student Health and Safety. It will look at factors leading to alcohol misuse by students, current alcohol policies, and best practices to prevent alcohol abuse, as well as other health and safety issues.

EKU Presidential Pricetag Climbs 62%

Charles Compton — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:06:29 +0000

The price for a president is going up at Eastern Kentucky University. EKU’s new President will earn two-thirds more than its outgoing CEO.

Gatton Academy Ranked Best High School in the U.S.

Louisville Public Media — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:12:35 +0000

Newsweek and The Daily Beast have again set out to find the best high school in the United States, based on which schools are doing the best job preparing students for college. And they've decided that the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Bowling Green, Ky., is that school. The Gatton Academy was also named the top school last year in Newsweek/The Daily Beast's ranking.

Kentucky Education Department Resumes ACT Testing With Pencil and Paper

Louisville Public Media — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:59:07 +0000

The company contracted to provide standardized end-of-course exams in Kentucky has suspended online testing this week. The Kentucky Department of Education halted the state’s ACT End-of-Course Exam last week after nearly 25 school districts experienced problems connecting to the test online. ACT officials initially told the department they had fixed the glitch, but later said more technical issues would prevent testing from resuming.

ACT Testing Will Resume Next Week

Louisville Public Media — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:42:38 +0000

Kentucky Department of Education officials say problems with the company contracted to administer one of the state’s standardized tests online have been fixed and testing will resume on Monday. This week several states experienced problems with three separate companies contracted to administer standardized tests.

Kentucky Halts Standardized Tests Because of Computer Glitches

Louisville Public Media — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:11:55 +0000

Kentucky has become the most recent state to see problems with the company that administers online exams in public schools and officials say the problem is of concern as more states move to online testing. Since the beginning of this week, 25 Kentucky school districts have experienced slow or dropped connections to the online system, making it impossible to complete the ACT End of Course Exam.

Multiple Misdeeds Alleged at EKU Center for the Arts

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:39:00 +0000

The administration of Eastern Kentucky University attempted to fire EKU Center for the Arts director Debra Hoskins on June 12 because of allegations including fiscal misconduct and falsification of university records and documents. Violation of human-resources policies, improper handling of customers' credit card information, and the misleading of university officials were also alleged. The university's issues with Hoskins while she led the $33 million publicly financed arts center are described in 740 pages of documents obtained late Wednesday afternoon under the Kentucky Open Records law.

EKU Tuition, Fees Upped, No Pay Raise

Charles Compton — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:22:11 +0000

A small tuition increase and no raises were approved yesterday by regents at Eastern Kentucky University. Tuition at the Richmond-based school will go up almost three-percent. That’s a fraction on the tuition increases seen in previous years, but within limits recently set by the state Council on Postsecondary Education.

UK Weighs Renovation Against Demolition

Linda B. Blackford and Lexington Herald Leader — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:20:12 +0000

In the early stages of developing the University of Kentucky's master plan, hired consultants Sasaki and Associates took a deeper look at some of UK's oldest buildings, putting an emphasis on renovation over demolition. Bob Wiseman, UK's vice president for facilities, said preservation of old buildings is part of the "give and take that will go on for many years."