FLORENCE, KY — Schools across northern Kentucky are back in session, and Kentucky's education commissioner is addressing the biggest challenges and goals facing the region's schools.
Kentucky Commissioner of Education Dr. Robbie Fletcher highlighted several obstacles at Monday's Rotary Club of Florence meeting. Among those issues discussed: the financial pressures of a rapidly growing region.
"If you look at inflation, it impacts our homes. It also impacts our schools," Fletcher said.
Teacher shortages also remain a concern, though Fletcher said the situation is improving.
WATCH: Kentucky education commissioner addresses biggest issues facing schools across the state & region
"Teacher shortage is improving, so very thankful for that, but they are the backbone that makes everything happen for our kids," Dr. Fletcher said. "So again, we need more and more people to come out and say we want to be teachers."
Pat Morgan-Estes, a retired Boone County teacher who now works as a substitute teacher, said collaboration among students is one of the most pressing needs she has observed in classrooms across northern Kentucky and the state.
"I think, you know, from the pandemic we now have this issue where kids really need to come and collaborate together," Morgan-Estes said. "And I know our teachers are really working on that ... bringing the kids together."
One of the most prominent issues in northern Kentucky right now is proposed property tax increases in Campbell and Boone counties, aimed at filling gaps in state funding for local schools. Fletcher explained how the state determines funding allocations.
"If you're in a high property value area, you probably don't get as much equalization or percentage equalization than maybe a school district that's in a low property value," Fletcher said.
Essentially, Dr. Fletcher explained more affluent counties receive less state support for their school districts than less affluent areas.
Looking ahead, Fletcher said the top priority is ensuring schools and students have what they need.
"Making sure that our schools have the financial resources that they need and make sure our students have the food, clothing, and financial resources that they need," Fletcher said.
