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The state board takes a stance on how Kentucky should spend money on schools

The state board takes a stance on how Kentucky should spend money on schools

KENTUCKY (FOX 56) – This week, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) reiterated its position that public tax dollars should be used in public schools. The resolution comes at a time when debate is intensifying over an amendment on this very issue.

“If we don’t say anything, we’re not doing our job,” KDE Commissioner Robbie Fletcher said at Monday’s meeting.

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In a unanimous vote, the Kentucky Board of Education approved a resolution stating that the board supports the exclusive use of state funds to fund the common school system. Although the resolution makes no reference to the upcoming Amendment 2, Commissioner Fletcher said during the meeting that he believed there were too many unanswered questions and that adopting the amendment would remove the guardrails.

“Unfortunately, this change opens the gates. There are questions about accountability that remain unanswered. I think it’s our job as a board to make sure all schools are accountable,” Fletcher said.

“Where is the responsibility for a public system that spends twice as much as most nonpublic schools and produces far worse results than we see in the private sector?” Jim Waters, president of the Bluegrass Institute, responded to FOX 56 on Thursday.

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Waters said he had a fundamental difference in philosophy regarding the role the system itself should play. He said public money should support students regardless of where they go to school and believed the change was an opportunity for expansion. He echoed concerns shared by Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne (R-Prospect).

He released a statement to FOX 56 that reads in part:

“While we are open to discussions about additional funding, parents and policymakers alike would like to see accountability for the monies already allocated. Frankly, we expect better results than we see in the most recent school report and call on the Education Department to focus on how they can make better use of the billions in funding they already receive to achieve better results.”

David Osborne, Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives

KBE Chairwoman Sharon Porter Robinson said there was no intention of the resolution to influence the outcome of Amendment 2.

Kentucky general election: View 2024 sample ballots by county

“The board is not attempting to instruct Kentuckians on how to vote. We believe you are capable of making an informed decision. Rather, this resolution reflects the Board’s unwavering support for our shared school system as a priority,” she said.

Election day is November 5th.

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