Written by Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria
As students across Kentucky head back to the classroom, a new school year brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow and prepare for the future. Whether it’s a child’s first day of kindergarten or a student’s final year before graduation, every school year makes a new beginning filled with possibility. As excitement builds for the year ahead, it is also a timely reminder that every student’s journey to and from school should be just as safe as the learning that takes place inside the classroom.
While families return to their regular routines, it is important for every driver to understand the rules of the road around school buses. With the passage and implementation of House Bill (HB) 7, drivers are now required to stop whenever a school or church bus has its signal lights flashing and its stop arm extended on most roadways. This includes highways and four-lane roads with a center turning lane.
Drivers traveling in both directions must stop unless the roadway is divided by an elevated barrier or an unpaved median. A painted center line or middle turning lane does not create an exception. These requirements help protect students as they enter or exit a bus and may need to cross multiple lanes of traffic.
HB 7 also allows school districts to use stop-arm camera systems to identify motorists who illegally pass stopped buses and strengthens penalties for violations. While these provisions increase accountability, keeping students safe ultimately depends on drivers remaining alert, slowing down and following the law.
The beginning of the school year is a good time for everyone to refresh their understanding of school bus safety. A few moments of patience can prevent a tragedy and ensure every child arrives at school and returns home safely.
Creating a safe and successful school year also means supporting students beyond the school bus. Good nutrition plays a critical role in helping children learn, stay healthy and reach their full potential in the classroom. This year, I was proud to sponsor Senate Joint Resolution 23, encouraging Kentucky to adopt a “Food is Medicine” approach that promotes healthier communities through better access to nutritious foods. The resolution supports partnerships among health care providers, agriculture leaders and community organizations to connect families with healthy food options, including locally grown produce. When children have access to nutritious meals, they are better prepared to focus, learn and succeed throughout the school year.
Kentucky has now opted into a new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program created by Congress in 2025 and made possible by HB 1. Beginning in tax year 2027, taxpayers may receive up to a $1,700 dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for donations they make to certified Scholarship Granting Organizations that provide K–12 scholarships. The tax credit can go toward any public, private or home school settings and may be used for tuition, tutoring, special needs services, books, technology, transportation or other approved expenses. The bill does not reduce state SEEK funding, does not divert state education dollars and does not increase state taxes, as the credit applies only to an individual’s federal tax liability. I am thrilled that Kentucky children will now be able to benefit from these federal dollars that will be put toward their specific needs.
To Kentucky’s teachers, school staff, bus drivers, parents and families, thank you for the dedication and encouragement you provide throughout the year. Your work creates an environment where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Here’s to a safe, successful and rewarding school year for students throughout the commonwealth.
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Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, represents the 24th Senate District, including Bracken, Campbell, and Pendleton Counties and part of Kenton County. Frommeyer is the co-chair of the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee and the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary. She is a Senate member of the Interim Joint Committees on Agriculture; Appropriations and Revenue; Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Families and Children; and Tourism, Small Business and Information Technology. Frommeyer also serves on the Public Pension Oversight Board.
