Vote NO on Amendment 2
Every attempt to establish vouchers for private schools has been declared unconstitutional. Voucher supporters are now asking voters to change the constitution to allow legislators to disregard seven sections of our constitution requiring public funds to be used for public schools and not diverted to private schools for the few.
Based on Florida’s voucher model, Kentucky public schools could lose almost $1.2B in funding and 9,869 staff positions under Amendment 2, yet the expensive mailers you are receiving would have you believe Amendment 2 will increase public school funding and teacher salaries!
Amendment 2 would actually be a handout to families who can already afford to send their children to private schools. Up to 90% of the vouchers in other states go to students who have never set foot in a public school.
The state guarantees $4,326 for every student in public education. Most public schools get additional funding for low-income nutrition programs, disadvantaged students and disabled students – students private schools don’t serve, don’t have the resources to serve, and quite frankly – don’t want to serve.
The disadvantaged students who proponents of Amendment 2 say vouchers will help simply cannot afford the cost and exclusivity of private schools enjoyed by the select few – which, quite frankly, is why many parents choose private schools.
The legislature should focus on funding our public schools at the levels needed to attract and retain good teachers and other school staff.
Please vote NO on Amendment 2.
Dr. Jesse Bacon, President and Dr. Rhonda Caldwell, Chief Executive Officer, KY Association of School Administrators
