In accordance with KRS 161.120, the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) is responsible for suspending, revoking, and/or refusing issuance or renewal of the certificates of teachers and administrators who engage in misconduct. In addition, the EPSB may impose other conditions as it deems appropriate. The Office of Legal Services works closely with school district administrators, parents, social service agencies, law enforcement agencies, state and federal prosecutors, and the disciplinary units of other states to protect the children in Kentucky public schools and assist in ensuring that educators maintain the dignity and integrity of the profession.
Certified educators in the Commonwealth are bound by the Professional Code of Ethics. All persons seeking initial educator certification and all persons renewing their certificates are required to submit a character and fitness application regarding adverse employment actions, prior disciplinary matters, or criminal convictions.
A superintendent’s duty to report educator misconduct in his or her district is pursuant to KRS 161.120. The EPSB has created the Online Educator Complaint System for a superintendent or his or her designee to file these reports, or email EPSBEducatorEthics@education.ky.gov.
The EPSB also accepts reports of misconduct from members of the general public. To make a report of educator misconduct to the EPSB, please send a letter containing a detailed description of the alleged misconduct to the address listed below or to EPSBEducatorEthics@education.ky.gov. The letter should include the name of the educator, the school district where the educator is employed, and the name of the specific school within the district if applicable. If a case is opened against an educator, the educator will be given a copy of the complaint for purposes of rebuttal. Please note that the EPSB does not accept anonymous complaints.