Gov. Andy Beshear proposes Education First Plan amid teacher shortage

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WBKO) - Gov. Andy Beshear joined state education leaders Thursday in the Capitol Rotunda to announce his Education First Plan.

The Governor’s plan aims to address student learning loss brought on by the pandemic and years of denied pay raises that have contributed to the state’s nearly 11,000 public school teacher vacancies, by providing funding for a 5% pay raise for school staff, universal pre-K, textbooks, technology and training, teacher student loan forgiveness and social and mental health services.

The General Assembly will have an opportunity to pass the plan during the 2023 regular session.

“In many ways, COVID-19 has been our generation’s deadliest enemy, taking more than 17,000 Kentucky lives, becoming the third-leading cause of death and even shortening the life expectancy of Kentuckians. Britainy and I personally experienced both the loss of people we love and what it was like to be parents of elementary and middle school students during the pandemic,” Beshear said.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said this plan puts kids first and provides resources to help school districts with their tasks.

Watch the stream below: