LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – Passionate pastors packed west Louisville's Christ Temple Christian Life Center not only to fight for better education but fight for an improvement they say is essential – public charter schools starting in their own backyard.
The platform for public charter schools they say must include parental school choice and a harder focus on preschool curriculum.
"You give a parent an opportunity to choose Governor – I guarantee they know whether something is good or bad," Pastor Jerry Stephenson of Midwest Church of Christ said to Governor Matt Bevin.
The newly elected governor and Lt. Govenor Jenean Hampton are in full support, saying something must be done.
"There, I'll believe is the wisest, most pragmatic thing to do would be to start with public charter schools. Does that mean it's the number one solution? I can't say that but you have to start somewhere," Governor Bevin said.
Gay Adelmann represents Dear JCPS, a grassroots organization focused on addressing problems and concerns directly to Jefferson County Public Schools' Board of Education.
"We are a district of choice so ultimately we already have the equivalent of a charter school in our district. We don't need yet another option for students to choose from – what we need to do is fix the schools we already have," she said.
Members of Dear JCPS protested at the charter school meeting and say they weren't allowed in but wanted to make sure their message is heard. Members say JCPS needs repair but don't overcrowd a problem with more problems.
"Our goal is to try and fix it within and not bring in an outside organization such as a charter," Adelmann said.
"The most important thing to do is to ensure every young person regardless of their socio-economic status has a ticket to ride," Governor Bevin said.
One thing both sides can agree on is that JCPS needs help somewhere as the governor cites the recent departure of ex-Chief Academic Officer Dewey Hensley.
"When he finally had enough, he said we're faking it, we're more concerned with what people think we're doing than what we're actually doing," Governor Bevin said.
Many factors including legislation and budgets stand in the way but public charter schools are a topic that a fill a book with both pros and cons.
Governor Bevin says Kentucky has no competition for public education dollars and Lt. Governor Hampton adds that charter schools can be another great tool.
For more information on Dear JCPS:
