The Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) recently expressed many of their priorities for the upcoming year, including professional development and implementing literacy coaches. Some members argue the top priority is a resolution in support of using public funds solely toward public schools.
Board members unanimously voted to adopt the ‘Resolution Supporting the Use of State Dollars to Exclusively Fund the Common System of Public Schools’ at a meeting earlier this month. The document explicitly disapproved of public funds going toward charter and private k-12 schools and urged the Kentucky General Assembly to invest in public schools, which must abide by statewide curriculum standards that private schools don’t.
Currently, Kentucky tax dollars can go toward public, but not private or charter, schools. However, such action would be possible if Kentuckians vote to approve Amendment 2 in November.
Diana Woods is a member of the KBE. She said Kentucky schools, especially those in rural counties, already face a lack of adequate funding, and splitting those dollars between public and private schools will worsen the problem.
“We’re talking about accountability- where’s the accountability? We’re talking about vibrant learning experiences and all the things the board has worked on before I joined the board, and the steps that we’re taking. Those things don’t come cheap,” said Woods. There’s going to be an investment of dollars, so where are the dollars going to come from?”
Preston Graham, the non-voting student member of the KBE, said it is crucial the board release their opinion through the resolution, rather than keeping silent.
“What are we kind of implying about our thoughts on public education? The main goal of the board has always been to support public schools, support public education,” said Graham. “What are we kind of saying if we don’t pass this resolution?”
Proponents of Amendment 2 said additional funding for private school vouchers gives parents more choices to best suit their child’s education. Opponents argue it doesn’t help parents who already can’t afford the extra costs of private schools and instead widens the education gap.