March 26, 2026 – As the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly session moves forward, EducateNKY is tracking a number of bills that connect directly to our legislative priorities and long-term vision for Northern Kentucky. Our focus remains consistent: strengthen kindergarten readiness, build stronger educator pipelines, expand opportunities for students through out-of-school time and career-connected learning, and create more room for innovation in public education.

Several bills this session align meaningfully with that agenda.

On early learning, HB 6, SB 191, and SJR 54 all reinforce the idea that kindergarten readiness should be a central organizing goal for the Commonwealth. HB 6 proposes broad modernization of Kentucky’s child care and early learning system, including quality standards, new licensing models, and stronger public reporting. SB 191 would create a pilot that rewards child care providers for improving children’s readiness for kindergarten. SJR 54 supports efforts to expand enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, an important early literacy strategy that helps families build strong foundations before children ever enter a classroom. Together, these proposals reflect the kind of prenatal-to-five alignment ENKY has called for in our legislative framework.

On teacher talent and school leadership, HB 759, SB 22, and SB 4 speak directly to a second major ENKY priority: strengthening the educator pipeline and making the profession more accessible and sustainable. HB 759 updates Kentucky’s alternative certification structure and could make it easier to bring talented educators into high-need areas. SB 22 supports a grow-your-own strategy by allowing students in approved teacher apprenticeship pathways to access dual credit scholarship support while still in high school. SB 4 would create a new practicum-based model for principal preparation, investing in stronger school leadership over time. These are the kinds of policy shifts that can help regions like Northern Kentucky recruit, prepare, and retain the talent needed to improve outcomes.

We are also encouraged by legislation that could expand student opportunity beyond the traditional school day and beyond traditional delivery models. HB 686 is especially notable because it would create a statewide Positive Youth Development Commission and trust fund that could help communities secure support for out-of-school time, mentoring, and prevention initiatives. For ENKY, that matters because we know students build skills not only in classrooms, but also through coordinated enrichment, trusted adult relationships, and strong youth-serving ecosystems.

Finally, SB 263 is one of the clearest examples of legislation that connects to ENKY’s innovation agenda. The bill would streamline the waiver process, create an expedited pathway for districts pursuing new approaches, and establish a Schools of Innovation pilot fund. That is especially relevant in Northern Kentucky as local leaders continue exploring how flexibility, collaboration, and redesigned school models can better serve students, particularly in the urban core. ENKY has consistently advocated for policies that reward innovation, remove outdated barriers, and support cross-district collaboration when it leads to better results for young people.

Other bills we are watching, including HB 513 on full-day kindergarten and HB 661 on school employee housing, also reflect practical policy conversations about what it takes to support children early and attract the workforce schools need. While each bill differs in scope and likely impact, together they show that many of the issues ENKY has prioritized are now part of the broader state conversation.

As session continues, we will keep monitoring legislation through the lens of ENKY’s core principles: helping children start strong, ensuring students build skills through aligned systems and strong partnerships, and creating the conditions for young people to own their future.

Northern Kentucky families are now getting free books from the moment their children are born.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Educate-NKY and public libraries across Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties have partnered to offer new parents the chance to sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library directly from the hospital.

Learn more from WCPO: https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/finding-solutions/new-partnership-puts-free-books-in-northern-kentucky-families-hands-from-birth

Kindergarten readiness is an often-debated education issue in Kentucky. Only 48% of children were considered ready for kindergarten in 2023. But whose responsibility is it to ensure children are prepared for school? As Emily Sisk reports, the river cities in Northern Kentucky say they’re taking up the charge.

Watch here. 

The Dayton City Council approved an order/resolution at its meeting last night, voting 5-0. The action means that Read Ready Dayton will officially commit this week to join Covington and Newport in a growing regional network of cities dedicated to boosting kindergarten readiness and supporting families with children ranging from prenatal through age five.

“Dayton’s commitment to our youngest learners is truly inspiring,” said Dr. Jenny Watson, Vice President of Early Learning and Family Power at EducateNKY. “By joining the Read Ready Network, Dayton is taking a bold step to ensure every child has the tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive, long before they ever set foot in a kindergarten classroom.”

Read more from the NKY Tribune.

EducateNKY recently announced the appointment of Dr. Jenny Watson as Vice President of Early Learning and Family Power. A seasoned education leader and system-level leader, Watson brings more than two decades of experience in instructional leadership, school administration and cross-sector collaboration to the regional nonprofit’s growing team.

“Jenny is a proven educator with a track record of driving results at scale,” said Cheye Calvo, president and CEO of EducateNKY. “As a former principal and a leader across 27 elementary schools in Boone County, she’s already made a regional impact. She understands the power of early brain development and the importance of activating parents early to set children up for lifelong success. Her success improving third grade literacy is exactly the kind of leadership we need to elevate kindergarten readiness in the River Cities and across Northern Kentucky.”

Watson began her career in education after earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Xavier University. She taught first grade in Ohio before transitioning to the Boone County School District, where she served in several roles over the span of more than 20 years; including classroom teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and eventually assistant superintendent of learning support services.
She holds master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction and instructional leadership, and earned her doctorate in educational leadership in 2021. Throughout her career, Watson has built a reputation for cultivating high-impact teams, building effective systems, and mentoring the next generation of education leaders.

In addition to her work in Northern Kentucky schools, Watson is an active member of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA), where she serves as Chair of the Coalition to Sustain the Profession and sits on the Program Creation and Support and Design Team. She is also a member of Kentucky Women in Educational Leadership (KWEL) and is a frequent keynote speaker on women’s leadership and educational equity. In 2023, she published Badass Women as Educational Leaders, available on Amazon.

In her new role, Watson will be responsible for convening cross-sector partners with a focus on supporting families and young learners while elevating kindergarten readiness across the River Cities.

“I am honored to join EducateNKY in this new capacity and continue serving the children and families of Northern Kentucky,” said Watson. “Strong early learning systems and family support networks are essential to long-term student success. I look forward to collaborating with our partners and stakeholders to build a brighter future for every child in our region.”

Watson lives in Hebron with her husband of 26 years, Chad. They have two children and enjoy time together as a family at Lake Cumberland and on the pickleball court.