Kentucky lawmakers are moving forward with a major education initiative designed to expand leadership training for school principals statewide, according to Bottom Line.

The Senate Education Committee unanimously advanced Senate Bill 4 on February 5, legislation aimed at creating a structured, statewide leadership development system for school principals that includes a new public-private partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, according to a report from Spectrum News 1.

The measure would create a standardized five-year leadership practicum for new and early-career school principals. The bill now heads to the full Senate and then to the Kentucky House of Representatives for further consideration.

Under the proposed law, principals would participate in a district-supervised practicum blending classroom-style instruction, mentorship, and executive-level leadership experiences.

A central component of the plan is collaboration with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation through its Leadership Institute for School Principals. According to the official draft bill text available on LegiScan, the five-year structure includes:

• Years 1 & 2: Foundational leadership and management training
• Year 3: Completion of continuing education requirements
• Year 4: Participation in an intensive summer leadership program with follow-up sessions
• Year 5: Advanced leadership training with approved providers

The bill also allows practicum hours to count toward other state instructional leadership requirements.

Sponsored by State Senator Steve West (R-Paris), the proposal aims to strengthen principals’ ability to lead schools, manage staff, and improve student achievement. During committee discussion, West emphasized that research consistently shows school leadership is one of the strongest influences on teacher retention and overall school performance, as reported by Spectrum News.

The committee vote was unanimous, signaling bipartisan support for structured leadership development in Kentucky schools.

The legislation formalizes and expands an existing partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Institute for School Principals, a program operating since 2011.

Bottom Line added more than 600 principals have completed the institute, representing districts across Kentucky and impacting millions of students statewide.

The program includes executive-style leadership workshops delivered in part through the Truist Leadership Institute and is funded through private business support, often at no cost to participating principals.

Senate Bill 4 is advancing alongside other education reforms this session. As noted by Spectrum News: 

• Senate Bill 2 would align administrator pay increases with teacher pay raises.
• Senate Bill 71 would expand financial training requirements for local school boards.

Lawmakers say the package reflects a broader effort to improve leadership, accountability, and classroom outcomes across Kentucky.

With committee approval secured, SB 4 moves to the full Senate for debate and a vote. If passed and approved by the House, the bill could reshape how Kentucky prepares and supports school principals — establishing a structured, statewide leadership pipeline built on public-private collaboration.