LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky voters are receiving conflicting mailings regarding Amendment Two ahead of the upcoming election. These advertisements urge voters to cast either a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote, but they contain statements that require further clarification.
The flyer advocating a ‘yes’ vote asserts that the amendment will enable parents to choose schools that align with their values. However, this claim necessitates context. If Amendment Two is passed and a tax credit scholarship program is established, parents may use state funds towards a private or charter school that reflects their values. Nonetheless, it is essential to note that private schools maintain the right to set their own acceptance criteria; thus, they may not be obliged to admit every student.
Conversely, a ‘no’ vote flyer claims that Amendment Two would result in larger class sizes and diminish individual attention for students. Education leaders have countered this assertion, explaining that public school class sizes might actually decline if families opt out of the public school system.
Additionally, an advertisement from Kentuckians for Public Education, Inc., which opposes the amendment, argues that it would lead to “less money to keep good teachers, reduce classroom sizes, and teach the next generation of Kentuckians.” This criticism questions the financial implications of passing Amendment Two on the public school system.
It is crucial for voters to understand that the passage of Amendment Two does not guarantee the immediate implementation of a tax credit scholarship program. Rather, it grants state legislators the authority to create a program deemed appropriate for Kentucky’s educational landscape.
With the election approaching, it remains essential for voters to engage critically with the information presented to them. The conversation surrounding Amendment Two encapsulates broader debates about educational choice, funding, and the future of public education in Kentucky.
