KBE seeking nominations for award highlighting excellence in education policy

Kentucky Department of Education

News Release


Media Contact: Jennifer Ginn

Assistant Director of Communications

Office: (502) 564-2000, ext. 4601
Jennifer.ginn@education.ky.gov

Advisory 20-04

 

Jan. 9, 2020

KBE seeking nominations for award highlighting excellence in education policy

(FRANKFORT, KY) – The Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) is now accepting nominations for the Karem Award for Excellence in Education Policy. The award, which is named for the current chair of the KBE, David Karem, will recognize a Kentucky policymaker, education leader or citizen who has made notable, state-level contributions to the improvement of Kentucky's public education system.

Karem served on the KBE from 2009 through 2016 before joining the board again in December 2019. He served for 33 years in the Kentucky State Senate and as chair of the Senate Education Committee. During his tenure in the Kentucky General Assembly, Karem championed the passage of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) and led the efforts for the 4% school tax levy by school districts. 

Criteria for the award includes a demonstrated leadership in policy development, passage or implementation resulting in increased educational opportunities for students; improved educational, postsecondary or workforce outcomes for students; or, increased capacity of teachers or school staff to better meet the academic, social or emotional needs of Kentucky students. 

Nominations are due by Jan. 29 and may be submitted online. The winner will be announced in February 2020.