AN ACT relating to education and declaring an emergency.

The mandatory leadership development practicum was shortened from five years to four years, reducing the duration of required state-funded training for new principals.

The third year of the practicum was changed from a principal-selecting training list to a mandatory intensive leadership program available only if funds are available, with specific exemptions for illness or approved absences.

The fourth year of the practicum was changed from a mandatory intensive program to a non-mandatory option that provides high-level leadership training.

New language was added to the third year requirement stating that professional learning must be approved by the Kentucky Board of Education.

The third year training requirement was modified to allow principals to use existing trainings required by regulation or statute instead of selecting from a new list.

The stipend provision for the fifth year of training was removed from the mandatory section, leaving it as an optional continuation after the fourth year.

The definition of 'Principal' was restructured to use a numbered list format for clarity, though the core criteria remained the same.