KENTUCKY, USA — On Election Day, Kentucky voters overwhelmingly struck down a ballot measure that would have allowed public funding to go toward private and charter schools.
Amendment 2 lost by nearly two-thirds of the overall vote statewide.
As the votes began rolling in, political leaders, educators and other groups released statements about the measure.
One of the first releases WHAS11 news received was from Kentucky Students First, an advocacy group in favor of Amendment 2.
"Our coalition of parents, educators, and concerned Kentuckians fought hard to change the status quo protected by Kentucky’s education special interests. Though the results may not have been in our favor, this campaign has been a powerful force for standing up to the Kentucky education bureaucracy. Perpetuating the low performance of Kentucky’s education system is a disservice to our children and our Commonwealth. Kentucky students deserve better, and our resolve to serve students over systems remains unchanged."
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who was against the amendment being passed, also released a statement on Election Day.
“Kentucky voters have once again definitively stated that public dollars belong only in public schools,” said Governor Beshear. “It is time our legislative leaders recognize the will of the people and get serious about ensuring that every Kentucky child gets a world-class public education—that means they should immediately get to work fully funding our public schools, including a raise in educator pay to address the teacher shortage and enacting universal pre-K for every Kentucky four-year-old.”
Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jayes released an opinion on Amendment 2. He wrote about being a lifelong advocate for public education.
"However, Amendment 2, on the ballot Nov. 5, threatens the very foundation of public education—not just in Carroll County, but across the entire state of Kentucky," Jayes said.
The Family Foundation of Kentucky, a conservative group in support of Amendment 2, said they were disappointed the measure was struck down.
“While we are disappointed in the results of Amendment 2, we look forward to continuing to advocate for greater educational opportunities for Kentucky families," Executive Director David Walls said. "Kentucky’s one-size-fits-all education system is simply failing many students and families, and we continue to believe that an essential part of improving our education system is by providing increased freedom and choice for Kentucky families and students.
The Kentucky Education Association (KEA), an educator lead labor organization opposed to Amendment 2, said public schools "are the heart and soul of every community across the commonwealth."
"KEA members celebrate this achievement as a victory for equity, fairness, and economic justice in our public education system. It reinforces the belief that when Kentuckians unite for a common cause, we can stand firm and demand that our laws and principles reflect the values of our communities. KEA members remain dedicated to advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of students, parents, educators, and public schools, and will continue to work tirelessly to protect, improve, and defend public education in Kentucky."