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Bill

HB 11

AN ACT relating to independent school districts.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jared Bauman

HB 11 aims to govern independent Kentucky school districts by clarifying governance, funding, and oversight structures for boards, finance, and district creation or modification.

to Primary and Secondary Education (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 11

Overview

HB 11 (2026 Session, Kentucky) is an act related to independent school districts. The bill’s principal aim appears to address governance, funding, and operational aspects of independent school districts within the Commonwealth. The measure is currently in the early legislative stages, having been introduced in the House on January 6, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Committees and subsequently to the Committee on Primary and Secondary Education.

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes or clarifies statutory authority governing independent school districts in Kentucky.
  • Seeks to outline governance structures, responsibilities of district boards, and interaction with state education agencies.
  • Potentially addresses the formation, modification, dissolution, or oversight of independent districts (subject to text not provided here).

Key provisions and changes (anticipated areas)

Note: Specific statutory text is not provided in the summary. The following are common elements typically addressed in bills concerning independent school districts and may be included or incorporated by HB 11:

  • Governance and board composition: requirements for district boards, elections, qualifications of board members, and terms of office.
  • Fiscal oversight: funding mechanisms, appropriations, local tax rates, and audit/financial reporting requirements.
  • Creation, modification, or dissolution of districts: processes for establishing new independent districts or modifying boundaries, including voter referendum or state approval.
  • Accountability and reporting: performance standards, reporting obligations to the state department of education, and enforcement mechanisms for noncompliance.
  • Intergovernmental relations: duties to coordinate with county and state agencies, superintendents, and school councils.
  • Public access and transparency: meeting notices, minutes, and public records related to district governance.
  • Staffing and employment: rules governing district employment contracts, administrator selection, and compliance with state employment laws.

Who would be affected

  • Independent school districts: districts that operate outside of county procedures may see changes in governance, funding, or oversight.
  • District boards and superintendents: potential new duties, eligibility criteria, and reporting requirements.
  • Local taxpayers and voters: impacts related to district boundaries, taxes, and approval processes for district formation or alterations.
  • State education officials: increased or clarified oversight responsibilities and reporting obligations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Initial action: HB 11 was introduced in the Kentucky House on January 6, 2026.
  • Referral steps: referred to the Committee on Committees (a preliminary step) and then to the Committee on Primary and Secondary Education for consideration.
  • Next steps: Committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the House, followed by consideration by the Senate and eventual enactment or veto by the governor.

Potential impacts to monitor

  • The balance of authority between state oversight and local control in independent districts.
  • Financial implications for districts, including any changes to revenue streams or tax authority.
  • Effects on district governance, accountability frameworks, and public transparency.
  • Timelines for any district boundary changes or new district formations, if applicable.

If you can provide the full text of HB 11 or specific sections, I can deliver a more precise, section-by-section summary with exact provisions, numbers, and dates.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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