Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Association of School Administrators Supports Pre-K for All

Association representing 3,300 education leaders requests that legislature support Pre-K for All

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 8, 2025) - Today, the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA), which represents 3,300 education leaders across the state, endorsed Gov. Andy Beshear's Pre-K for All initiative. The organization submitted a letter Monday afternoon urging the General Assembly to make expanding access to pre-K for all Kentucky 4-year-olds a top priority in the 2026-2027 budget session.

"Teachers know that the key to kids succeeding in school is an early, strong start and Pre-K for All can provide that for every Kentucky child," said Gov. Beshear. "Far too many of our kids are not kindergarten-ready, and we must change that for them, for our families and for our workforce. I want to thank KASA and educators across the commonwealth for their commitment to our kids and our future."

Rhonda Caldwell, KASA's chief executive officer, submitted the letter to the General Assembly on Monday. The letter noted that Pre-K for All would support children's learning journeys, support workforce development, empower families and communities, and help build a brighter tomorrow.

"We endorse the thoughtful, district-led approach to expansion outlined in the Pre-K for All initiative report, which aligns with our vision to develop strong leaders, improve the quality and success of our school systems and support a skilled, educated workforce," said Caldwell. "KASA urges the General Assembly to support the Pre-K for All initiative, recognizing the profound impact it will have on our public schools, families and communities."

The KASA endorsement follows a letter from 44 local and regional chambers of commerce and their presidents last week requesting that the General Assembly expand Pre-K For All in the upcoming budget. Areas represented include Bowling Green and Louisville, as well as the counties of Ballard, Bracken, Clay, Floyd, Lincoln, Oldham, Scott and more.

In October, the Governor was joined by members of the Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, which shared its report on the need for pre-K in the commonwealth following four months of hosting town halls, 54 outreach events and meetings with local leaders, educators, parents, child-care providers and businesses. The report is clear: Kentucky needs to expand its public preschool program through Pre-K for All.

Earlier in October, the Governor had announced that 63 county judge/executives, 34 mayors and the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS) all endorsed the Pre-K for All initiative. Those endorsements were made through three letters, each signed and delivered that month to members of the General Assembly.

Since the launch of the initiative in May, over 65,000 Kentuckians have written to their state legislators asking them to support expanding preschool access. Following numerous town halls held by Team Kentucky across the state, nearly 90% of participants voiced their support for more funding for Pre-K For All.

To learn more about the benefits of Pre-K for All and to see how you can get involved, visit prek4all.ky.gov.