News Summary
Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts Allison Ball has released a detailed report on the Kentucky Department of Education, revealing that $250 million in SEEK funds went unused. The audit critiques KDE’s DEI initiatives and preschool funding practices, calls out inadequate special education tracking, and highlights risks regarding student-athlete safety. Governor Andy Beshear and Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman expressed commitment to address the findings while aiming to improve educational quality across the state.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts Allison Ball unveiled a comprehensive examination report on the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) on July 1, 2025. This report, spanning over 500 pages, was commissioned by state lawmakers aiming to uncover inefficiencies within the education agency.
The audit revealed that KDE let a staggering $250 million in Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) funds expire rather than reallocating these funds to address critical funding shortages in local districts. SEEK funds are vital state resources intended to support educational institutions across the state.
Additionally, the report highlighted significant shortcomings regarding KDE’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Auditor Ball labeled these programs as a financial burden that yielded no tangible improvements in student outcomes. The examination raised concerns over the preschool funding mechanism, indicating it violates the U.S. Constitution, particularly in terms of funding distributions between secular and religious educational programs.
KDE’s preschool assessment methods were found to be misleading, particularly concerning the evaluation of kindergarten readiness among students. The audit also pointed out that neither KDE nor the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) effectively manage risks associated with sexual harassment and abuse among student-athletes, with no reliable tracking system in place for coaches accused of inappropriate conduct, thus posing risks to student safety.
Furthermore, the report emphasized that students with disabilities are not achieving meaningful academic progress due to inadequate special education tracking mechanisms within KDE. A lack of measurable benchmarks for student success was also identified, ultimately undermining the department’s capability to evaluate educational effectiveness.
Other significant findings included that KDE’s curriculum resources are not easily accessible for teachers, negatively affecting the quality of instruction provided in classrooms. The audit pointed out that KDE has not conducted comprehensive assessments for nearly half of Kentucky’s school districts within the past decade, compromising oversight and accountability.
The report urged KDE to establish a comprehensive strategy to assist school districts in enhancing educational experiences for students. In response to the findings, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reiterated that KDE operates as an independent agency managing its program and regulations. However, he expressed a commitment to improving the availability of quality education statewide.
Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman also extended support to KDE staff and teachers, mentioning the importance of continued government backing for educational efforts. Meanwhile, Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher acknowledged the audit’s findings while highlighting the positive morale and dedication demonstrated by KDE staff toward student success.
The audit was made possible through House Bill 825, passed by the Kentucky General Assembly, which mandated this special examination in an effort to increase oversight of the education department. The Auditor intends to incorporate many of the findings from the report into proposed legislation for the upcoming session, aiming to enhance education throughout Kentucky.
As the findings unfold, they highlight critical areas that require immediate attention and reform to ensure effective operations within the KDE and ultimately foster an environment that promotes educational excellence for all Kentucky students.
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