LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky's public school superintendents are opposing a bill that would grant tax credits to people who donate to scholarship funds for special-needs children or those in foster care or in low-income homes to attend private schools.
Superintendents across the state held news conferences on Monday to oppose the bill, which they say will take money away from public schools. An analysis by the Legislative Research Commission estimates the bill would cost taxpayers as much as $209 million by 2025.
Supporters of the bill said it will increase school choice for underprivileged kids.
At a news conference in Shelbyville, 10 superintendents, including those from Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, and Oldham counties, met to voice their opposition to the bill and their concerns with it.
They said they believe the bill is funneling state funds away from public education.
The superintendents also said the fear for Senate Bill 1 funding. SB1 is the School Safety Bill, which would create Student Resource Officers for schools, and increase mental health resources for students. Lawmakers, who passed the bill in both the House and Senate this legislative session, say there is some concern about where the funding would come from. The superintendents say that bill is one of their top priorities, and they believe the tax credit funding could better be put towards funding for SB1.
"It is an issue for Jefferson County Public Schools but its an issue for all superintendents across the state. and I think it's just a show of how much it means that 10 superintendents showed up here on very short notice to show their concern over the bill," JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio said.
House Bill 205 is sponsored by House Majority Floor Leader John "Bam" Carney and has the support of House Speaker David Osborne. The bill has been assigned to the Appropriations and Revenue Committee, where chairman Steven Rudy has not decided if he will give it a hearing.
Will there be another sickout that closes Kentucky schools?
A social media buzz starting Sunday night has shown some discussing the potential for another teacher sickout this week.
On Sunday night, the account "Dear JCPS" posted on Facebook saying, "Parents, you might want to start looking into a backup plan for school this week. Another walkout to protect public schools from privatization threats is possible as early as tomorrow, and could last until Thursday. JCPS is #StrikeReady to fight for your children! Will post more when we know more. The most immediate threat is HB525, which is scheduled for passage tomorrow afternoon. Scholarship Tax Credits could be on tap for Tuesday. These greedy privatizers have overreached, and it's time to push back! We support our teachers!!!"
Monday afternoon Dr. Pollio said the district is monitoring the situation "closely."
"I can't say enough, I want our kids in school. We want our kids in school, there's a lot of services there. But you know, I'm a teacher myself, so we're all together on this," Pollio said.
There is a possibility HB 205 will be granted a hearing Tuesday morning with the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee. Although, the legislative agenda isn't usually posted until the evening. Kentucky education groups are likely waiting until that happens, to decide if they will call for another sickout.