How to Write an Op-Ed Supporting the Rose Revival Campaign

An op-ed is a powerful tool to amplify our message, shape public opinion, and encourage policymakers to take action on Kentucky’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate and equitable public education. With the Rose Revival campaign and the Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT) v. Commonwealth of Kentucky lawsuit, we have a unique opportunity to elevate student voices and frame this litigation as a pathway to meaningful, student-centered education reform.

What Makes a Strong Op-Ed?

• Timely & Relevant – Ties into current debates on school funding, public education policy, and student success in Kentucky.
• Fact-Driven & Personal – Uses research, student experiences, and key legal arguments to make a compelling case.
• Calls for Action – Encourages readers to engage in the movement, whether through advocacy, legislative change, or community organizing.

Structuring Your Op-Ed

1. The Hook (Lede)

The first few sentences should grab the reader’s attention and connect to a timely event. Possible hooks include:

• The filing of the KSVT v. Commonwealth case on January 14, 2025.
• A personal student story illustrating the consequences of an underfunded school.
• A striking Kentucky education statistic, such as:
  "Only 55% of Kentucky eighth graders are reading at grade level, and one in five schools does not offer a single arts class—a direct violation of the Rose capacities."

2. The Thesis

This is the main argument of your op-ed. Example:

"For too long, Kentucky students have been shortchanged by a state legislature that has failed to meet its constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The Rose Revival campaign and KSVT v. Commonwealth are not just about funding—they are about fixing a system that is failing students statewide."

3. Supporting Arguments

Use 2-3 key points backed by data, research, and personal stories to strengthen your case. Possible arguments:

🔹 Kentucky’s Education System is in Crisis

• Funding disparities have worsened since the original Rose v. Council for Better Education decision, with the gap between the wealthiest and poorest districts now exceeding $3,900 per student.
• Mental health resources are failing students, with over 100 Kentucky schools lacking a full-time school counselor despite state-mandated ratios.
• The teacher shortage is reaching a breaking point, as Kentucky ranks 41st in teacher pay, making it harder to recruit and retain educators.

🔹 This Case is About More than Money—It’s About Opportunity

• The lawsuit is not just about increasing funding; it’s about ensuring those funds reach the students and schools that need them most.
• The Rose capacities—which guarantee students critical thinking skills, economic self-sufficiency, and cultural enrichment—are being systematically denied to students in underfunded districts.
• Real solutions exist, including equitable funding formulas, accountability measures, and stronger student supports.

🔹 The Legislature Has a Chance to Act—Before the Courts Do

• This lawsuit creates an opportunity for the Kentucky General Assembly to be proactive rather than reactive.
• Instead of waiting for a court mandate, lawmakers should seize this moment to reform Kentucky’s education system in partnership with students, educators, and families.

4. Addressing Opposing Arguments (The Rebuttal)

Anticipate and preemptively respond to common criticisms. Examples:

❌ Criticism: "This lawsuit is just about demanding more money."
✅ Response: "This is not just about increasing education funding; it’s about ensuring those funds are allocated effectively to support teacher recruitment, mental health resources, and academic programs that directly benefit students."

❌ Criticism: "Lawsuits don’t solve problems—policy does."
✅ Response: "The Rose decision itself resulted from a lawsuit, and it led to one of the most significant education reforms in Kentucky history. This case is about holding the legislature accountable to the commitments it made 35 years ago."

5. The Conclusion & Call to Action

End by reinforcing your main message and giving readers a clear way to take action. Example:

"Kentucky students can’t afford to wait another decade for the education they deserve. We urge the Kentucky General Assembly to take action now—before a court forces them to. The future of our students, our economy, and our Commonwealth depends on it."

Tips for Pitching Your Op-Ed

• ✔ Choose the Right Outlet – Target local newspapers, education publications, and major Kentucky media (e.g., Lexington Herald-Leader, Louisville Courier-Journal).
• ✔ Keep it Concise – Aim for 600-900 words with a clear and direct argument.
• ✔ Make it Personal – If possible, include student voices, real-life examples, or an author with a direct connection to Kentucky’s education system.
• ✔ Follow Up – If you don’t hear back within a week, follow up with the opinion editor.

Template: Op-Ed Submission Email 

📩 Subject: Op-Ed Submission: Kentucky’s Education System is in Crisis—The Legislature Must Act

Dear [Opinion Editor’s Name],

I am submitting the op-ed below for consideration in [publication name]. The piece addresses the urgent need for Kentucky lawmakers to take action on the education crisis currently being challenged in KSVT v. Commonwealth.

As a [student/educator/parent] directly impacted by this issue, I believe it is critical to elevate student voices and lived experiences in this conversation. Please let me know if any revisions would make this a better fit for your readership.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Affiliation]
[Your Contact Information]

[Copy and paste the op-ed below this line.]

Resources

1. Kentucky Center for Economic Policy 
   
   1. Study on educator pay: https://kypolicy.org/teacher-pay-remains-20-less-than-2008-despite-small-gain-in-2025-school-year/ 
   2. Study on school funding inequities: https://kypolicy.org/kentucky-school-funding-returns-to-pre-kera-levels/
2. KSVT Herald Leader Op-ed: https://www.kentucky.com/opinion/op-ed/article298637988.html 
3. Secretary of State Civic Health Assessment: https://www.sos.ky.gov/civic-initiatives/Pages/Civic-Health-Assessment.aspx