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    • 2024 election results: Kentucky Amendment 2 fails
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    2024 election results: Kentucky Amendment 2 fails

    Sakege Posted on

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    A controversial constitutional amendment that had the power to dramatically reshape Kentucky’s educational landscape failed: 65% of voters voted against the measure.

    The Associated Press called the loss at 8:42 p.m.

    Amendment 2 asked voters if they wanted to revise the state constitution to allow the legislature to spend tax money on non-public education. The defeat means state lawmakers will not be able to fund a “school choice” program, such as charter schools or school vouchers.

    Kentucky Students First/Yes on 2 issued a statement before the AP call, admitting that the amendment appeared to have been defeated on the ballot.

    “Our coalition of parents, educators and concerned Kentuckians fought hard to change the status quo protected by Kentucky education special interests,” the statement read. “While the results may not have been in our favor, this campaign has been a powerful force in confronting Kentucky’s education bureaucracy. Perpetuating the poor performance of Kentucky’s education system is a disservice to our children and our Commonwealth. Students “Kentuckians deserve better, and our determination to serve students across systems remains unchanged.”

    Thoughts on the defeat of Amendment 2? Submit your letter to the editor here

    At an election night party hosted by amendment opponents, Kentucky Education Association President Ed Campbell said “this victory” is important for educators and students.

    “Kentuckians have made it clear that investing in our public education is non-negotiable,” Campbell said. “Investing in our local public schools is an investment in the future of our great Commonwealth. Our public schools, our coalition, came together just as our public schools do in every community across the Commonwealth.”

    Maddie Shepard, president of the Jefferson County Teachers Association, said she is proud of all the community members and teachers who worked on the campaign against the amendment.

    “We’re very excited about the future, and what we’ve heard loud and clear tonight is that Kentucky not only believes in public schools, but we need to invest in legislation when it’s back in session,” he said.

    Governor Andy Beshear published in Xformerly known as Twitter, thanking Kentucky for “protecting public schools… Now, let’s keep fighting for our children, our teachers, and Kentucky’s future.”

    Live updates: It’s Election Day 2024! Here you will find everything you need to know.

    What to know about Kentucky Amendment 2

    Supporters argued that passing the amendment would create more opportunities and lead to better outcomes for students, regardless of their economic status. Meanwhile, opponents argued The amendment would hurt public schools, including diverting money from them.

    Both sides attracted high-profile support, with Republican Sen. Rand Paul arguing for the amendment and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear arguing against it.

    The General Assembly passed the amendment during this year’s legislative session because the state constitution allows tax dollars to fund only “common schools,” which Kentucky courts have interpreted as public schools.

    Lawmakers have attempted to pass “school choice” policies in the past, including a funding mechanism for charter schools and a tax credit scholarship program. But both bills were blocked by the courts.

    If Amendment 2 receives a majority vote, lawmakers could introduce a school choice program as early as next session.

    Contact reporter Hannah Pinski at @[email protected] or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.

    Sakege
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