During the recent Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee meeting held on February 10, 2025, significant discussions centered around the impact of proposed agency amendments on Kentucky's education system, particularly concerning Cloverport schools. The subcommittee examined the challenges Cloverport faces in meeting class size requirements and federal participation rates in state assessments.

Cloverport schools have struggled with class sizes, with reports indicating that as of October 2024, 27 to 29 elementary courses and 82 middle school courses exceeded the statutory limits. Despite some progress, 32 courses still remain overpopulated. The subcommittee highlighted the importance of maintaining a 95% participation rate for students in state assessments, a requirement that Cloverport has found difficult to meet, particularly in subjects like math and reading.

The discussion also touched on the implications of a proposed amendment that would allow Cloverport to exceed the 10% cap on virtual program enrollment, contingent upon approval from the State Board of Education. This process would require the district to present metrics demonstrating their ability to deliver quality education to additional students. However, concerns were raised about the lack of clearly defined statutory guidelines for this process, suggesting a need for more structured regulations.

In addition to educational matters, the meeting addressed various regulatory updates, including amendments related to occupational safety standards and pharmacy benefit manager licensing. The Department of Insurance proposed a deferral on a regulation establishing a $10,000 registration fee for pharmacy benefit managers, citing the need for further stakeholder input before moving forward.

The subcommittee's discussions reflect ongoing efforts to enhance educational standards and regulatory frameworks in Kentucky, with a focus on transparency and community engagement. As these regulations progress to the committee of jurisdiction, stakeholders are encouraged to remain involved in the conversation to ensure that the needs of Kentucky's students and communities are adequately addressed.