(FRANKFORT KY, Feb. 3, 2012) – The Senate passed several bills this week. Of these bills, three education bills are of particular importance.

Many students feel bored with the pace of high school during their senior year.  Senate Bill 86, which I sponsored, passed with bipartisan support, helps focus our students on the higher challenges required of them.  It provides an early graduation option to high school students who meet course requirements, grade point average, and college readiness standards.  A student who completes an early graduation program will receive an “Early Graduation Scholarship Certificate” with the approximate value of 24 credit hours at KCTCS, and may be utilized at any 2 year or 4 year SACS accredited postsecondary institution in Kentucky.  The bill has passed several years from the Senate; I am hopeful that the House will give it consideration this time.

Conversely, our children who are intellectually and/or developmentally challenged also work hard in their way to reach certain academic standards. Senate Bill 43 recognizes the course work of these students by providing an alternative diploma. These special children who continue their studies at the high school level are dedicated young people who should take pride in their achievements.

As many of us with children have experienced, schools are closed during elections because some schools are also used as places where people can vote.  But what happens if there is no polling place there? Senate Bill 21 permits school districts where no schools are used as a polling place to adjust their calendar to keep schools open during a regular, special, or primary election.  It would also allow a district to schedule election days as instructional or make-up days.  This is a more efficient use of space and allows for greater continuity in our children’s education.

Finally, the Right to Life Rally was on Wednesday. As usual, I heard the Capitol Rotunda was packed with families and single people; all of them concerned folk.  The pro-life platform is one I have championed since the beginning. Much to my regret, my legislative schedule prevented me from attending this year but I was very much there in spirit. This year, as in years past, the Senate will vote through a bill to direct a doctor to have a face-to-face meeting with the woman who is considering an abortion. Right now, these “meetings” are sometimes done through a recorded phone message which is disrespectful to the woman. As with any medical procedure, a patient deserves to have the opportunity to get information directly from a medical professional and have the opportunity to ask questions. I will write more about this bill and other pro-life bills that will be introduced at a later date