Student Perspectives on Amendment 2, the Voucher Bill

In the 2024 Regular Session, the Kentucky legislature passed House Bill 2 to put a measure on the November 2024 ballot. If passed, Amendment 2 would change the state constitution and allow for public funds to be allocated outside “the system of common schools” (public schools). Among other things, passage would allow for Kentucky taxes to support private school vouchers or subsidies for private schools that are not accountable to the public.

KSVT has been an executive committee member of the Protect Our Schools KY coalition. The coalition comprises public education advocates and allied organizations committed to raising awareness, engaging the public, and amplifying concerns about Amendment 2 in November.

As the most populous group of stakeholders in our public school system, students have been speaking out about why they say vouchers would hurt the schools they attend and the communities they live in. 

Vouchers would most negatively impact our rural communities, many of which don’t even have private schools. “Over two thirds of counties, rural and Appalachian counties, report solely having public schools within their city and county lines. As well as our public schools being their largest employers in those respective areas,” said Nicholas Hazelett, a recent graduate of Paintsville High School and Senior Advisor at KSVT. 

Rather than sending taxpayer dollars away from public schools, Kentuckians could instead focus on proven strategies to improve student achievement in public schools, where 90% of students attend, Nicholas says.

“We rely on our public schools to provide meaningful meals, transportation, disability services, access to mental and physical healthcare, and Family Resource Centers, which these so-called better alternatives do not have to provide or offer to their staff, students, and families. There is zero accountability on these private entities on how they use your tax dollars.”

Over the summer, our students attended rallies organized across the state by Protect Our Schools KY, from Paducah to Lexington. They shared particularly powerful testimonies on how the passage of Amendment 2 would impact their schools and communities.

“Public schools use their resources solely for the betterment of their community; provide education and support to students,” Peter Jefferson, senior at Henry Clay High School in Lexington and KSVT Voucher Campaign Coordinator proudly proclaims. “While our schools absolutely provide quality education, they also provide so much more. They are a lifeline for our students. Voting no on Amendment 2 will preserve and strengthen the backbone of our state’s public schools.”

At Protect Our Schools KY’s Owensboro event, Khoa Ta, junior at Owensboro High School and KSVT Policy Coordinator reflected on, “Having come from a family that did not receive a proper education and a father who truly gained education through public schools, I am beyond grateful to stand here today to fight for the right of students and to protect our public schools.”

In the coming months, KSVT is planning some exciting work to educate and raise awareness about private school vouchers and the potential effects of Amendment 2. Read stories, reports and ways to take action on our new school voucher landing page before the election this November.