FRANKFORT, Ky. (WHAS11) -- Privately run, publicly funded, public schools have always been an issue that has failed to make it through the Kentucky legislature, but supporters and opponents know there has never been a time quite like this.
Republican Matt Bevin took the oath as Kentucky's 62 Governor Tuesday.
He's taking office having won 106 of 120 counties, a fact of which he proudly reminded the crowd during his inaugural address. He also renewed his promise to bring more school choice to Kentucky including charter schools.
Next year, state senators and representatives are up for re-election, and while legislation historically has failed to pass in the Commonwealth, Matt Bevin's perceived political capital has supporters and opponents of charter schools wondering whether this is the idea's best chance.
Pastor Jerry L Stephenson was happy to hear Tuesday's message, he campaigned for Bevin with his Kentucky Pastors in Action Coalition.
"I think that is his, one of the ways he has demonstrated that he is serious about changing the dynamics of education in Kentucky," said Pastor Stephenson.
Although Governor Bevin is a republican and the State Senate is under republican control, the House is under democrat control. Pastor Stephenson thinks that won't matter.
"Well, you know, we have a governor now who is going to be actively engaged, we have a secretary of education who will be actively engaged in this process and with it you're going to have some different voices at the table," insists Pastor Stephenson.
Governor Bevin appointed his once political foe, Hal Heiner, as Secretary of Education.
Historically, educator's unions have urged like-minded Kentucky lawmakers to defeat charter school legislation.
Jefferson County Teacher's Association President Brent McKim offered this statement:
"The teachers association is supportive of schools having the flexibility that they need to innovate and help every student succeed; however, we have serious concerns about using public tax dollars to pay for private for-profit corporations that do not have to have open meetings or comply with the sunshine laws that our public institutions have for accountability to the taxpayers."
Still, even the JCTA knows that Matt Bevin is going into his administration with a head of steam and plenty of promises to keep.
"This is one of seven states where there is no competition, absolutely no competition for public education dollars," declared Governor Bevin during the inaugural address. "That is going to end. We are not doing as well as we could be."
