A statement from the Kentucky Education Association President Eddie Campbell:
“Gubernatorial candidate Andy Beshear and Lt. Governor candidate Jacqueline Coleman spoke directly to Kentucky educators today in Frankfort to discuss their educational priorities and commitment to investing in our public schools. They outlined their plan of action to stop the bullying and raise the pay of teachers.
“To see these candidates truly partnering with educators should be a huge relief to every educator in the Commonwealth, after more than three years of continued personal and professional attacks by Governor Bevin. It is clear through these proposals outlined today that Andy Beshear is actively listening to our concerns about the future of public education and the teaching profession. Simply put, educators are being heard by the Beshear campaign and will be a true partner in a Beshear Administration.
“Under Governor Bevin’s tenure, Kentucky schools have been underfunded and teacher pay has been in the lower half of the national average. It’s clear public education and public educators have not been, nor will they be a, a priority in a Bevin Administration.
“Andy Beshear has listened to the needs of educators and included their solutions in his actions. His proposal to provide an immediate $2,000 across-the-board pay raise to every public teacher in Kentucky and ensure that no starting teacher pay will be below $40,000 by 2022, illustrates his commitment to the professionalism of our teachers, the health of our public schools, and the quality of education our children will get moving toward a better future for the Commonwealth.”