Beshear expands Pre-K pilot program to another KY school district
In this aerial view of Dawson Springs on Dec. 13, 2021, homes are heavily damaged from a tornado three days prior. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Gov. Andy Beshear is expanding Kentucky’s “Pre-K for All” pilot program again — this time to his dad’s hometown of Dawson Springs.
About 160 children will be enrolled through the Dawson Springs Independent School District, Beshear announced Thursday.
“This is a town that’s been through a lot. It’s been through a level of heartbreak that’s hard to comprehend from the 2021 tornadoes, but they are building back with strength,” Beshear said. “And this news adds to their progress because Pre-K is not just a win for our kids, but also for families and local businesses in a community.”
Lenny Whalen, the superintendent of Dawson Springs Schools, said early education has “immediate and lasting effects” for children and communities.
“We’re looking to have a stronger kindergarten, have stronger reading and math skills, and be more likely to graduate high school and possibly go into college or other skilled trades,” Whalen said. “That’s 160 kids less likely to be chronically absent or have behavior issues.”
Kentucky governor expands pre-K pilot programs for two more school systems
This news brings the school districts with Pre-K programs to 5. They are:
- Dawson Springs Independent School District
- Franklin County Schools
- Glasgow Independent Schools in Barren County
- Rockcastle County Schools
- Robertson County Schools
In June 2025, Beshear signed an executive order establishing the Pre-K for All Advisory Committee to explore support for universal pre-kindergarten programs in Kentucky. After meeting for several months, the committee recommended that Kentucky phase in expanded access to pre-K over several years.
A fall report from that committee also found about 48% of Kentucky’s kids are ready to learn when they reach kindergarten.