Gov. Andy Beshear Proclaims Nov. 16–20 as Family and Community Engagement in Education Week in Kentucky

Nov. 12, 2026

Contact: Suzetta Creech, Chief of Staff
The Prichard Committee
screech@prichardcommittee.org
859-940-1790

Statewide celebration kicks off Monday with the Groundswell Summit in Shelbyville
as leaders rally around local action to advance Kentucky’s Big Bold Future

FRANKFORT, Ky–Today, Governor Andy Beshear will sign an official proclamation declaring November 16–20, 2026, as Family and Community Engagement in Education Week across the Commonwealth. The annual observance, championed by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and education partners statewide, celebrates the vital partnerships between families, educators, and communities that drive student success and accelerate progress toward a top-tier education system.

To officially launch the week’s festivities, education advocates, parents, and community leaders will gather next Monday, November 16, at 10:00 a.m. ET for the Groundswell Summit at The Gatsby (524 Main St.) in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Driving Progress on Kentucky’s Big Bold Future
Deepening family and community engagement is a proven catalyst for improving Kentucky’s standing in the Big Bold Future national rankings, which track key indicators from early childhood readiness and K–12 achievement to postsecondary enrollment and quality of life. When schools and local communities coordinate resources to remove barriers to learning, students see stronger academic gains, higher graduation rates, and greater college and career readiness.

“Strong schools are built on strong, community-led partnerships,” said Brigitte Blom, President & CEO of the Prichard Committee. “When families, educators, and local neighbors work hand-in-hand, we create the local momentum needed to move Kentucky forward on our Big Bold Future indicators. Governor Beshear’s proclamation underscores our shared commitment to ensuring every parent and caregiver has a meaningful voice in shaping their child’s education.”

About the Groundswell Summit (Monday, Nov. 16)
Hosted in Shelby County, the Groundswell Summit spotlights innovative, place-based work happening across Kentucky to support students and families. Highlights of the summit include:

• Bowling Green Promise Neighborhood Spotlight. A dedicated panel featuring local educators, neighbors, and community partners will share how collaborative, wrap-around support systems are transforming outcomes for children and families in Bowling Green.
• Interactive Showcase. Attendees will explore local initiatives that move beyond sharing information to taking direct, coordinated action in schools and communities.
• Statewide Recognitions. The event will honor newly certified Kentucky Family Friendly Schools, graduates of the Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership (CIPL), and the recipient of the Beverly Raimondo Parent Leader of the Year award.

Celebrating Across the Commonwealth (Nov. 16–20)
Throughout next week, early care centers, K–12 schools, and community organizations across Kentucky will host locally tailored events to strengthen relationships with families. Schools and local leaders can access free planning guides, proclamation templates, and activity ideas via the Family and Community Engagement in Education Week Toolkit at prichardcommittee.org.

For more information on Family and Community Engagement in Education Week visit prichardcommittee.org.

About the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence 

Since 1983, the independent, non-partisan Prichard Committee has worked to study key education issues, inform policymakers, and mobilize families, business leaders, and community stakeholders. By fostering active family and community engagement, the committee helps drive measurable progress across the Big Bold Future metrics, elevating Kentucky toward national educational excellence from early childhood through postsecondary attainment.