Staff report
EducateNKY explained the impact of Senate Bill 263, legislation designed to strengthen and expand “Schools of Innovation” across the Commonwealth. The measure is paired with a $2.5 million state investment in Covington Independent Schools, through EducateNKY, to support early implementation and accelerate new approaches to teaching and learning. Holmes Middle School is expected to become a ‘School of Innovation.’
At its core, the legislation reinforces that innovation in education works best when driven locally. Districts will now have greater flexibility to pilot new approaches, improve operations, and enhance student outcomes.
“The General Assembly moved school innovation from concept to action,” said Cheye Calvo, president and CEO of EducateNKY. “Districts now have the flexibility to design and implement solutions that better serve their students, with new resources to help bring those efforts to life.”
The new law establishes a Schools of Innovation pilot in Covington, positioning the district to develop and test new models of teaching and learning that can inform efforts statewide.
Incoming Covington Superintendent Cortnei Flucas said the legislation offers an important opportunity.
“SB 263 creates a powerful opportunity for Covington to lead in redefining what public education can be when innovation is both locally driven and anchored in accountability for student outcomes,” she said. “We have the chance to design learning experiences that are rigorous, relevant, and deeply connected to the aspirations of our students and the future of our community.”
Flucas also highlighted the importance of partnerships in supporting this work.
“We are especially grateful to EducateNKY for their partnership and investment in this work, which helps create the conditions for meaningful, sustainable innovation. Together with our educators, families, and community partners, we are committed to building a model that not only transforms outcomes for Covington students, but also contributes to a broader vision for innovation across Kentucky.”
EducateNKY is continuing its partnership with Covington Independent Public Schools to help access and deploy these resources at the school level, supporting implementation while ensuring schools lead the work.
“SB 263 creates a real opportunity for Covington to build something meaningful for our students,” said Covington Board of Education Vice Chair Stephen Gastright. “We appreciate the General Assembly’s confidence in our district and in the idea that the people closest to students should have the flexibility to design solutions that meet local needs.”
An EducateNKY statement said that its role will remain collaborative and supportive, working alongside educators, administrators, and community stakeholders to help unlock new possibilities while ensuring that innovation remains grounded in local leadership and student needs.