Amendment 2 has been a hot topic in Kentucky this election season. Signs are appearing in yards both in support of the amendment as well as opposing it. This may seem like a simple decision to make for many people because of course we want the children of our communities and their families to have a choice in what is best for their children. The success of our children is directly tied to the future success of our community. Unfortunately, this amendment is not about choice and it is certainly not about equality.
If Amendment 2 passes, public schools will get less funding overall. It is no secret that the public school system is already suffering. Teachers do not get paid enough, there is rarely enough funding to go around, and schools are constantly having to fundraise in order to make ends meet. Reduced funding could lead to cutting art programs, sports programs, even special education programs. Over time it will lead to lower salaries which means lower quality teachers or teachers that reach a point of burnout and quit long before retirement age. Class sizes will get bigger, extra-curricular activities will be cut, support services will disappear. This will greatly affect our students with special needs who require extra care and assistance. Public schools and the children in them WILL suffer.
Other states that have passed similar amendments are in great debt. In Arizona, public school budgets are expected to be short by $320 million. Indiana’s voucher program has cost nearly half a billion dollars for the 2023-2024 school year. Ohio’s vouchers cost taxpayers $966 million in just one year. These school systems are cutting programs and letting go of staff just to stay afloat and they are still drowning in debt. Information from these states also shows that 65-90% of vouchers go to families who are already sending their children to private schools. These families are capable of paying the fees and made that choice because they had the means to do so. Nearly half of Kentucky’s 120 counties do not have a private school option in their area. What about the families in those counties? Is it fair that their funding is cut when they don’t even have the option of choosing a private school?
Private schools get to choose their own tuition and fees and are not required to share how they spend that money with the public. Though a voucher may assist with a portion of the set tuition, it is very unlikely that it will cover an entire year’s tuition. More than likely, there will be an out-of-pocket cost, an amount that would be impossible for many families to afford. Simply put, a voucher program will not give ALL families a choice, it will be out of reach for many, many families in our state due to their financial situations.
Last, but not least, private schools get to be picky about who they let in their doors. They may not accept you due to academic needs, behavioral issues, religious affiliation, or disciplinary history. They can ask you to leave their school at any time and are not required to give you a reason why. Your child could be considered disruptive, have needs that are too difficult for them to meet, or be a “troublemaker” and you will be asked to leave the school. These children will be sent back to public schools that will be underfunded and without the extra staff to care for their needs.
Please take the time to learn about this issue before you vote in November. It is important to vote every single year, in every single election but this year it seems especially important. Unlike many families in our state, you do have a choice in this instance. Please vote NO for Amendment 2.
Written by
Emma Johnson
