702 KAR 3:320 establishes the standards for school finance officer certification and continuing education. The revised regulation became effective September 24, 2024.
KRS 160.431(2) requires the Kentucky Board of Education to promulgate administrative regulations identifying and prescribing the criteria and procedures for school finance officer certification and continuing education.The Kentucky Department of Education, Division of District Support reviews qualifications of school finance officers and monitors continuing education hours.
- Finance officers employed at a Kentucky public school district on or after July 1, 2015 are required to complete and submit the web-based Provisional Certification Application to the Division of District Support.
- Finance officers under Provisional Certification will be assigned a mentor by the department.
- Mentors shall possess full certification under this administrative regulation or be in grandfather status.
In accordance with 702 KAR 3:320 finance officers are required to complete 42 hours of continuing education every 2 years, with at least 18 hours by June 30 of each fiscal year.
The department shall approve continuing education courses offered by providers that include the following subject areas:
- Evaluation of financial staff;
- Financial system management, including payroll, purchasing, budgeting, general ledger, and financial reporting;
- Alignment of the financial budget with federal and state law requirements;
- Analysis of district financial data and provision of financial reports to the local board of education, school councils, and the department;
- Comprehension of the district vision for education and the role of district finances in accomplishing that vision;
- Interpretation, use, and communication of financial data and financial strengths and weaknesses of the district to the local board of education, school councils, and the community; or
- Professional development designed to support any existing district improvement plan; or
- Courses offered as Continuing Professional Education (CPE) provided by professional organizations
Below you will find information and forms relating to the FO Certification Program:
For more information contact:
Ann Culbertson
Office of Finance and Operation
Division of District Support
300 Sower Blvd, 4th Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-3846 x4438