Governor Beshear says politicians, school officials support Pre-K for All

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Governor Andy Beshear says last week, 63 county judge/executives, 31 mayors and the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS) all endorsed Gov. Beshear’s “Pre-K for All” initiative, urging the Kentucky General Assembly to make expanding access to pre-K for all 4-year-olds a top priority in the 2026 Budget Session.

“The endorsement of Pre-K for All from these leaders – many of whom are Republicans – shows that expanding pre-K for every Kentucky 4-year-old should be a nonpartisan issue,” said Gov. Beshear. “Pre-K for All will help our children with academic success, save our families money, boost our workforce and help businesses thrive. I am grateful to these leaders for putting politics aside and prioritizing what’s best for our Kentucky families.”

Officials say the endorsements were made through three letters, each signed and delivered last week to members of the Kentucky General Assembly.

“A child’s brain development is 90% completed by age five. When we miss out on giving children exposure to phonics, math skills and social skills during this critical window, we miss a major opportunity in a child’s development,” said Billy Parker, superintendent for Scott County Schools. “Teachers in the classroom know the challenges of helping students who start behind and need additional resources and interventions to help them perform on grade level. Kentucky schools can’t afford to play catch-up.”

Letters supporting the “Pre-K for All” initiative can be viewed below.

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