STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Gov. Andy Beshear is expanding Kentucky’s Team Kentucky Pre-K Pilot Program to include Glasgow Independent Schools and Franklin County Schools, according to a Tuesday announcement. Officials say the move brings the total number of participating school districts to four as part of a broader effort to eventually offer Pre-K for All across the state.
The expansion follows local school board approvals on Monday for both Glasgow Independent and Franklin County Schools. Those districts will join Robertson and Rockcastle counties in offering full-day pre-K pilots, with curricula set to begin in the 2026-2027 school year.
Beshear said Kentucky’s children “deserve the very best start,” adding that Pre-K for All is intended to help families save money, strengthen the workforce and support businesses. He said that through the pilot program and the planned Team Kentucky Early Learning Center, the state is expanding access for nearly 3,000 additional children across the commonwealth.
The Team Kentucky Pre-K Pilot Program launched in May 2025, when Beshear signed an executive order starting the initiative in the first two counties. The Governor’s office also announced the September opening of the Team Kentucky Early Learning Center, which is expected to serve executive branch state employees.
Local education leaders joined Beshear for the latest announcement, including Franklin County Schools Superintendent Mark Kopp and Glasgow Independent Schools Superintendent Chad Muhlenkamp. Children from both districts also attended the event.
Muhlenkamp said he is honored that Glasgow Independent Schools were selected to help lead the initiative. He noted that in Kentucky, fewer than half of students currently arrive in kindergarten ready to learn, and he pointed to preschool as the single most effective way to close that gap.
Muhlenkamp said research and experience show that the first five years of a child’s life are crucial for development. He said programs like the pre-K pilots help students build early reading, math and social skills so they can start school prepared.
The pre-K initiative has drawn widespread support ahead of the 2026-2027 budget session. According to the Governor’s office, letters backing Pre-K for All have come from more than 150 business owners, 93 school superintendents representing over half of Kentucky’s districts, 46 chambers of commerce, the Kentucky Association of School Administrators and dozens of county and city leaders.
Since May 2025, more than 66,000 Kentuckians have written to their state legislators in support of expanding preschool access, according to officials. Team Kentucky also held town halls across the state, where nearly 90% of participants reportedly supported more funding for Pre-K for All.
Key Facts
– Gov. Andy Beshear announced expansion of the Team Kentucky Pre-K Pilot Program.
– Glasgow Independent Schools and Franklin County Schools are now included.
– The pilot now operates in four districts with Robertson and Rockcastle counties.
– Full-day pre-K curricula are set to begin with the 2026-2027 school year.
– Officials say childcare access has expanded for nearly 3,000 additional children since May.
– Franklin County’s pilot is expected to serve more than 1,000 students over two years.
– Supporters include business leaders, school superintendents and local officials statewide.
– More than 66,000 Kentuckians have contacted legislators backing expanded preschool funding.
