Frankfort, KY, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The KCTCS Board of Regents has approved a biennial budget request totaling nearly $238 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year and $272 million for the next year. This marks a 7.2% and a 22% funding increase in respective years to support operations and capital improvements across Kentucky’s 16 community colleges. The capital budget includes 67 projects with an estimated cost of $662 million aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure and improving student outcomes.
Frankfort, KY – The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Board of Regents has approved a biennial budget request totaling nearly $238 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year and $272 million for the following year, marking a significant funding increase aimed at supporting operations and capital improvements across its 16 community colleges.
The budget proposal reflects a 7.2% increase in funding for the 2026-27 year and an even more substantial 22% increase for 2027-28. This funding is structured to accommodate inflationary adjustments, address debt service obligations, and provide operational funds needed for various capital projects.
Additionally, the proposal outlines a plan for performance funding distributions. Should the request be funded, there could be a $31.9 million increase in performance funding for 2026-27, bringing the total to approximately $145 million. The second year anticipates a further increase of $35.2 million, leading to a total of $160 million in performance funding, aimed at improving educational outcomes within the system.
Capital Improvement Projects
The capital budget request encompasses 67 projects with an estimated total cost of $662 million. The funding request stems from KCTCS’s six-year capital plan, which is designed based on requests submitted by colleges after conducting a strategic needs analysis. Among the key allocations within the capital projects are:
- Safety and security upgrades – $30 million
- Deferred maintenance pool – $32 million
- Information technology pool – $9.5 million
- Equipment pool – $5 million
- Property acquisition pool – $5 million
Specific Projects by College
Various colleges have specific projects to address facility needs, including:
- Big Sandy Community and Technical College:
- Mayo Campus renovation – $4.5 million
- Prestonsburg campus buildings upgrade – $7.4 million
- Magoffin LRC roof replacement – $1.2 million
- Site improvements and wayfinding – $3 million
- Hazard Community and Technical College:
- Smith Administration Building renovations – $5 million
- Upgrade ADA/elevator Industrial Education Building – $2.5 million
- Lees Campus exterior improvement – $3.5 million
- Industrial Education Building exterior upgrade – $2.5 million
Legislative Approval and Future Meetings
The Kentucky General Assembly will review this budget request during the upcoming legislative session. The KCTCS Board of Regents is set to reconvene for their next meeting on December 4-5, where they will continue discussions regarding the budget and other matters. Previously, the board approved an internal audit plan for 2025-26 along with two capital construction projects, including roof replacements at Owensboro Community and Technical College and a culinary arts relocation at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College.
Policy Implementation
In addition, the board has implemented alternative delivery methods for certain capital projects under $1 million and adopted a new antisemitism policy in accordance with Senate Joint Resolution 55 (2025). A recent forensic audit did not uncover any evidence of fraud but did recommend changes to internal budget operations to ensure better fiscal oversight.
Conclusion
This budget proposal signifies a commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure in Kentucky’s community colleges. If approved, it has the potential to greatly improve resources and facilities for students statewide.
FAQ
What is the amount requested in the KCTCS budget for 2026-28?
The KCTCS has requested nearly $238 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year and $272 million for 2027-28.
How much of an increase does this proposal represent?
The budget represents a 7.2% increase for the first year and a 22% increase for the second year.
What projects are included in the capital request?
The capital request includes 67 projects totaling nearly $662 million, covering areas such as safety, maintenance, and technology upgrades.
When will the Kentucky General Assembly consider the budget request?
The budget request will be considered during the next legislative session.
Budget Overview
| Year | Proposed Budget | Performance Funding |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | $238 million | $145 million (if funded) |
| 2027-28 | $272 million | $160 million (if funded) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Council Rejects Mayor’s Board Appointment
Kentucky’s New Health Secretary Warns of Medicaid Cuts
New Education Facility Set to Open in Lexington
KCTCS President Unveils Ambitious Goals for Community Colleges
Lexington and Elizabethtown Highlighted as Top Places to Live
Additional Resources
- Paintsville Herald: KCTCS Regents Approve Two-Year Budget Request
- NKY Tribune: KCTCS Regents Approve Two-Year Budget Request
- CC Daily: Headlines on KCTCS Budget
- Kentucky.com: KCTCS Budget Overview
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Community and Technical College System
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
