Senate committee advances bill to limit administrator raises unless teacher raises match

Senator Julie Rocky Adams introduced Senate Bill 2 on the Senate Standing Committee on Education floor, saying the measure would prevent school administrators from receiving a percentage pay increase greater than the average percentage pay increase provided to classroom teachers in that district. "This legislation establishes a clear, reasonable standard without eliminating existing waiver options already permitted under Kentucky law," Adams said.

Supporters told the committee the bill is intended to protect classroom teacher compensation and promote transparency. Adams said the bill "reinforces fairness in compensation practices across school systems" and is not intended to cap salaries or eliminate local control.

Several senators said they supported the bill but raised practical concerns. Senator Thomas asked whether the measure would prevent districts from renegotiating a superintendent's salary for retention; Adams responded that the bill includes a waiver option for districts that need to retain key leaders and that the waiver process will be transparent.

Senator Meredith urged caution about unintended consequences for rural districts if waivers are slow, noting that rural systems sometimes must act quickly to retain principals. Committee members replied that the waiver process falls to the Kentucky Department of Education and that, per committee discussion, the statute and board regulations create a standardized waiver form and an expedited review process.

After brief discussion the committee took a motion from Senator Reid, seconded by Senator Wilson, and conducted a roll call. The measure passed with unanimous favorable expression.

The committee did not amend the bill; it reported SB2 out of committee for further action by the full Senate.