Courier Journal Public Forum Kentucky's Constitutional Amendment on School Choice

About this event

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Under the Kentucky Constitution, taxpayer money can fund only "common schools," which state courts have interpreted as public. If passed, Amendment 2 would allow the legislature to steer money to other entities, including private or charter schools.

The amendment was prioritized during the 2024 legislative session and sparked heated debate on the floor with opponents arguing the move could divert funds away from an already underfunded system, while proponents argued it would give families more choice in their kids' education.

Courier Journal politics reporter Hannah Pinski will moderate a community forum to discuss the amendment and answer questions. Audience members will be able to submit questions for the panelists before and during the forum.

Forum participants include:
Maddie Shepherd, president of the Jefferson County Teachers Association
Jim Waters, president and CEO of the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions
William Hoyt, chair of public finance at the University of Kentucky's Martin School of Public Policy and Administration