The Kentucky Department of Education is moving forward with a new principal leadership development program, inviting education leaders across the state to help shape its implementation through a series of regional listening sessions scheduled for September.

The regional sessions are being held in response to Senate Bill 4, legislation sponsored by Senate Education Committee Chair Steve West that establishes a statewide leadership development system for school principals.

The KDE's Office of Continuous Improvement and Support will host the listening sessions to gather feedback on the knowledge, skills, and supports that new principals need to succeed. Participant input will directly inform the design of the Kentucky Principal Leadership Development Program, reflecting a commitment to building a leadership system guided by practitioners and stakeholders across the Commonwealth.

According to the legislation, the program will include a structured, multi-year training framework. The Kentucky Department of Education will lead the first two years, focused on foundational leadership skills, mentorship, and operational responsibilities, while partnerships with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation and Truist Leadership Institute will provide advanced training in subsequent years. The program is set to begin in the 2027-2028 school year.

Senate Bill 4 received bipartisan support after passing unanimously through the Senate Education Committee. Proponents cited research showing that school leadership is one of the top factors influencing teacher retention and overall school performance.