In 1956, vocational-technical schools were expanded to help those who were blind, with a focus on providing training and jobs for the visually impaired.
This law was modified by a 2013 Senate bill, raising the mandatory attendance age to 18 beginning in the 2015–2016 school year.
The board's powers, at that time, included creating laws, establishing a course of study and choosing course texts, and control of funds and property.
The Board of Education is responsible for granting certificates for high school graduates and teacher training.
In November 2015 the Knox County Board of Education was investigated by the Kentucky Department of Education for violating Kentucky laws such as including personal matters in district rules that disrupt operations and providing free resources to independent schools.
[7] The 1838 law that established a Board of Education in Kentucky also called for the governor to select a superintendent of public instruction to serve for a two-years term.
[2] With the passage of KERA in 1990, all duties and authorities were delegated to a newly created position known as the Commissioner of Education.
Until 2023, the Kentucky Board of Education directly appointed the commissioner typically following a search and interview process.