Kentucky Pre-K Pilot Program expands to fifth school district

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) - Kentucky’s Pre-K Pilot Program is expanding to a fifth school district, Gov. Andy Beshear said on Thursday.

The district is Dawson Springs Independent Schools.

“Dawson Springs has been through so much heartbreak from the 2021 tornadoes, but they are building back with strength, and this news will add to that progress,” Beshear said. “Pre-K is a win for our kids, our families, our businesses and our local communities and our pilot program is going to serve over 160 children over the next two years.”

The Dawson Springs Board of Education approved the district joining the program on Tuesday.

Dawson Springs Superintendent Lenny Whalen was present at the announcement and knows well the benefit of early education.

“I have been in education my entire career and know it firsthand: Early education has immediate and lasting effects, and we want Kentucky’s kids to start life with a head start – not a lap behind,” Whalen said. “That’s why it’s so important we launch this pilot in Dawson Springs and across the commonwealth.”

Dawson Springs joins Franklin, Rockcastle, and Robertson counties, as well as Glasgow Independent, in the program.

The governor established the program via executive order in May. It currently serves over 3,000 students.