By Stu Johnson
Frankfort, KY – The task force report made 35 recommendations. They include the creation of family literacy programs, more access to pre-schools, and an review of Kentucky's technical schools. At first, task force member Ben Cundiff of Cadiz says they'll focus on the cheaper solutions.
"One of our hopes is that right now while money is at it's tightest some of those things could be put in place so we might if you will corner up the things that do require money and maybe get to them as the money is available," said Cundiff.
When it comes time to fund some of the new programs, Cundiff believes the cost of some initiatives could be offset by savings in other areas of state government.
"A lot of those costs can be paid over the long run by savings in things like the prison system, the welfare system, the Medicaid system, increases in tax revenues by people who suddenly have become relevant to the economy rather than school drop outs," added Cundiff.
Kentucky Education Association Executive Director Mary Ann Blankenship served on the Governor's Task Force on Transforming Education. Blankenship says their report is not a new' plan for education reform.
"I don't think this is a new KERA, partly because KERA came with immense increases in school funding and I don't think anybody is talking about that, but it is a new vision for where we go for the future for education," explained Blankenship.
One recommendation could be considered this winter by the Kentucky General Assembly. It would increase the minimum drop-out age from 16 to 18 years old. Such legislation is already pending in the state senate.