Kentucky Senate Bill 202: Restructuring School Boards Based on Enrollment

A new bill in the Kentucky legislature, Senate Bill 202, proposes significant changes to the structure of school boards across the state. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Lindsey Tichenor (R) of Smithfield, aims to tie the number of school board members directly to student enrollment figures [WKYT].

Key Provisions of Senate Bill 202

Currently under consideration, the bill would require the Kentucky Board of Education to determine the appropriate number of members for each local school board based on average daily enrollment over the preceding three years [Legislative Research Commission]. These changes are slated to take effect beginning in 2033 [WKYT].

Board Size Based on Enrollment

The proposed legislation outlines specific enrollment ranges and corresponding board sizes:

• Districts with 15,000 students or fewer: 5 members
• Districts with 15,001 to 30,000 students: 7 members
• Districts with 30,001 to 45,000 students: 9 members
• Districts with 45,001 to 60,000 students: 11 members
• Districts with 60,001 to 75,000 students: 13 members
• Districts with more than 75,001 students: 15 members

The Kentucky Board of Education will make these determinations every ten years, starting in the first four months of 2033 [WKYT].

Impact on Fayette County Public Schools

According to data from the Kentucky Department of Education, Fayette County Public Schools had 40,792 students in the 2024-25 school year [WKYT]. Under Senate Bill 202, the Fayette County Board of Education would expand from its current five members to nine [WKYT].

Implementation Timeline and Process

The bill addresses the implementation of these changes. If a regular election coincides with the determination of new board sizes, additional members will be selected during that election. If no regular election is scheduled, the additional positions will be filled as vacancies at the next regularly scheduled election [WKYT].

For districts needing to reduce board size, the reduction will occur by decreasing the number of members up for election at the next scheduled election [WKYT].

County school districts will continue to be divided into divisions for election purposes, ensuring representation from specific geographic areas. Independent school districts will maintain their at-large election systems [WKYT].

Initial Determinations and Division Changes

Despite the general implementation date of 2033, the bill mandates the Kentucky Board of Education to make initial board size determinations by December 31, 2026 [Legislative Research Commission]. Districts required to add members must redraw their divisions within 30 days, filling new positions as appointed vacancies until the next regular election [Legislative Research Commission].

The bill also removes specific provisions related to the seven-member board structure of Jefferson County, which was established following the merger of Louisville city and county school systems [WKYT].

As of February 16, 2026, Senate Bill 202 was introduced in the Senate and assigned to the Committee on Committees [Legislative Research Commission].