KENTUCKY, USA — Kentucky voters have overwhelmingly rejected a controversial measure that would have allowed public tax dollars to be used for private schools.
The Associated Press called the results around 8:42 p.m. Tuesday.
School Choice for Parents, better known as Amendment 2, was defined as giving parents choices with their children’s educational opportunities.
The amendment would have allowed public funds to be used towards private and charter schools.
More than 65% of Kentuckians said no to the measure.
Gov. Andy Beshear released a statement shortly after the measure was defeated.
“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.”
Previously, superintendents from across Kentucky met in October had voiced concerns about Amendment 2 and how vouchers would impact their students and districts financially, especially in rural districts where private schools aren’t available.
While some in Kentucky believe parental rights in education should be a fundamental right, education experts also argued the Amendment 2 lacked specifics – including how private and charter schools are held accountable, if there are regulations on mental health and disabilities and racial discrimination.
Both sides held watch parties in metro Louisville on Election Day.
"I know that our message has resonated," Will Powers with the Kentucky Student Voice Team said. "Our message that public funds belong to public schools."
Powers said the amendment was never popular in Kentucky, and this vote proved it.
"I have heard plenty of times that we need to do more to increase opportunity for every student, but you know what I have never heard? That the answer to that is a voucher program," Power said.
Christie Mudd, a teacher in Jefferson County, celebrated at watch party hosted by Protect Our Schools KY in NuLu.
"It just really shows that we truly are supported, our communities do support public schools and they are advocates for public education," Mudd said.
Downtown at the Henry Clay Theatre, Louisville's GOP conceded.
"I just think what is most important is just giving parents the right to let them choose what's best for their children," said voter Hannah Bauman. "Less government and more on the parents."
Vice Chair of the Jefferson County GOP, Charlie Bell, said the fight will continue.
"It's a tragedy for our kids," Bell said. "For our parents to not have a choice in the schools that they go to, and to get the different education components that they need."
B, she said the messaging has to change.
"I believe that there was a fear instilled that the public school system would be bankrupt," Bell said.
For now, Kentucky's constitution will remain unchanged, solidifying public dollars for public schools only.
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