A NEW SCHOOL YEAR, A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY By Senator Phillip Wheeler

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Senator Phillip Wheeler

Like many parents of the region, Crystal and I have been preparing for our son Weston’s return to school – this year as a freshman at Pikeville High School. As I look at him as a proud father – nearly staring me back in my eyes – I remember fondly that he was a student in 5^th grade standing slightly taller than my waist when I started my journey as your State Senator over six years ago in March 2019. I am grateful for both his mother and his teachers who have played an important part in shaping him into the young man that he is, especially during those Winter and early Spring months each year when I journey to Frankfort to represent the 31^st Senate District.

Back-to-school season always carries a certain energy. There’s momentum, expectation, and a renewed focus on what really matters. It’s a time to celebrate the dedication of our educators, the resilience of our students, and the support networks who help hold it all together. But it’s also a time to step back and ask honest questions about what’s working, what isn’t, and what we owe to the next generation of Kentuckians.

For lawmakers, it’s a timely reminder of the responsibility we carry. Education doesn’t just happen in the classroom. It’s shaped by the policies we pass, the priorities we set, and the way we listen to those doing the hard work on the ground. Those decisions matter more than ever. I am proud of the meaningful investments that the General Assembly has made in recent years including investments in early literacy, school safety, career readiness, and postsecondary opportunity. These efforts are beginning to bear fruit with more students accessing hands-on learning experiences, earning credentials, and completing community and technical college without debt.

I know the work is far from over. Headlines about assessment concerns, early learning access, and student outcomes have raised fair and important questions. These deserve our attention, and our discipline. Our role isn’t to react for the sake of reaction, but to respond with clarity, care, and commitment to long-term solutions.

Back-to-school season reminds us what’s possible when students are supported and systems are strong. It also reminds us that every student’s success is a shared effort, shaped by educators, families, and a legislature that remains focused on practical progress over politics.

So as this new school year gets underway, I want to thank those working every day to support Kentucky’s children, in our classrooms, in our communities, and in our Capitol. Let’s carry that energy forward in the months ahead.

Wishing students, families, and educators across the commonwealth a safe, successful, and inspiring school year.

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Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, represents Kentucky’s 31st Senate District, including Elliott, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin, and Pike Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committees on Economic Development and Workforce Investment and on Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology. He also serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Judiciary; Natural Resources and Energy; and Transportation. He is a member of the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee and is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection.