NEW SCHOOL YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES
By: Senator Philip Wheeler
As the 2024-25 school year approaches, families are preparing for a return to school. Like many parents, I am always amazed at how quickly time passes by. My own son Weston just began the 8th grade, and it seemed like only yesterday he was starting kindergarten. I want to wish all students, teachers, school staff, and parents a successful year ahead. This upcoming school year is a crucial opportunity for all of us, as a community, to contribute to the growth and development of our students.
We in the Legislature are eager to witness the many successes this school year will bring. The current state budget dedicates the largest share of state revenues to public education. Lawmakers committed over $500 million in additional funds to schools. Many districts have used this financial flexibility to raise pay for school personnel or support programs for students. I am very proud of my local school leaders and personnel and the investments that they have made to make the school districts in the 31st District some of the best in the state.
The 2024 Legislative Session was a budget year, and the General Assembly can be very proud of the work that we did to deliver much-needed dollars to our schools. This session saw record funding for public education, with $5.7 billion allocated for K-12 education in 2025 and $6.1 billion in 2026. These investments are a testament to the Kentucky General Assembly’s unwavering commitment to invest in the education of the commonwealth’s next generation.
Our top priority must always be the safety of our children. In the last session, we allocated $15 million annually to the Center for School Safety. Additionally, we increased funding for school resource officers’ salaries, totaling $16.5 million for 2025 and $18 million for 2026. Our efforts in Kentucky have been recognized as aspects of our school safety laws adopted in at least 28 states. There is still more to be done, and I look forward to the accomplishments we can achieve during the 2025 Legislative Session.
I want to express my gratitude to everyone who ensures the best education possible for students in our district. Working with our superintendents and engaging with community members is a pleasure.
As the new school year begins, please remember to be cautious on the road. Our children are walking to and from school, loading onto buses, and taking rides home. Pay attention, buckle up, and put your phone down. Be mindful of school buses stopping to pick up and drop off students. Always come to a complete stop and watch for children entering and exiting their buses.
I wish each student, teacher, parent, and support staff an excellent start to the school year. I look forward to seeing your successes throughout the school year and beyond. I encourage all seniors to absorb memories and make the most of their remaining time in school. These are memories you will hold dear and will miss. Maximize the support from your loved ones, teachers, and friends as you look ahead to your life after high school. Do your best to identify your interests and aspirations, whether going directly into the workforce or toward a post-secondary education. Have an outstanding year!
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Senator Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, represents Kentucky’s 31st Senate District, including Elliott, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin, and Pike Counties. Wheeler serves as co-chair of the Capitol Planning Advisory Board. He is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Transportation; Natural Resources and Energy; Judiciary; and Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology. Additionally, Wheeler also serves a member on the Local Government and State Government Interim Joint Committees.
