November 8, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Courtney Daniel, Director of Communications and External Affairs
courtney@prichardcommittee.org

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence congratulates Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman on their election yesterday. We look forward to seeing the administration’s policies in their second term, with an eye toward advancing education outcomes and ensuring a thriving future for all Kentuckians.  
 
This election comes at a critical recovery period from the impacts of the global pandemic. Recent data reveal concerning statistics. As an example, only 46% of Kentucky’s third-graders achieved reading proficiency in 2023. At the current rate of progress, achieving full proficiency for all students could take over half a century. Clearly, there is significant work to be done to not only return to pre-2019 levels but to propel Kentucky beyond those benchmarks.
 
We envision a commonwealth where every family has access to employment that pays a family-sustaining wage, where there is a thriving early childhood sector that supports working families and little learners, and there is access to a world-class public education that ensures a meaningful high school diploma, equipping each student with the knowledge and skills they need for the future. 
 
The time is now for all of us to come together and realize the Big Bold Future we know we can achieve.

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The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence is an independent, nonpartisan, citizen-led organization working to improve education in Kentucky – early childhood through postsecondary.