Gov. Beshear addresses controversy around Pulaski County Schools’ position on school funding amendment

FRANKFORT, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Gov. Andy Beshear is weighing in on the controversy surrounding a Kentucky school district advocating against a ballot question on public school funding this year.

Gov. Beshear campaigned on his advocacy for public schools and has repeatedly spoken out against charter schools, which is the big issue this amendment may address.

Attorney General Russell Coleman issued a statement Tuesday that said public resources can’t be used against Amendment 2, but the governor said the district’s speech on the issue is constitutionally protected.

“These school districts, I believe, have First Amendment rights. It needs to be done in a certain way. But this is a public school district fighting for the future of public schools. I think that’s really important,” Beshear said.

The district drew criticism for posting both an image and infographic advocating against Ballot Amendment 2, which would decide if public tax money may be used to fund schools outside of the public school system. On Tuesday FOX 56 reported on the response from Pulaski school leaders who defended the decision and said they have a legal right.

On Tuesday evening, Attorney General Coleman released an advisory to all public school districts in Kentucky affirming the office’s position that public resources cannot be used to advocate for or against the amendment and that the office will take any necessary action to ensure constitutional and statutory limitations are upheld.

On Wednesday, Pulaski Schools superintendent Patrick Richardson released another statement saying the posts are taken down, but that he believes “the Attorney General’s advisory is partisan politics at its worst.” Richardson encouraged staff to work outside of school hours against the amendment.

“They look like they will lose significant funding and it’s not going to go to any private school there. It’s going to go to private schools elsewhere. This is going to defund some districts that need the money the most,” Beshear said.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

• Georgetown Tigers prep for tough 2024 schedule
• ‘Pinkies Up 4 Lucy’: Henderson rallies behind family of 4th grader who died after collapsing at recess
• Principal announced for new ‘innovative’ Lexington school slated to open in 2025

FOX 56 reached out to the campaign advocating for “Yes” on Amendment 2 for a statement on the controversy. A spokesperson said:

“Across the country, school choice has broad support from both sides of the political aisle. In fact, Kentucky is one of only two states without school choice. Our hope is that legislators and Gov. Beshear can have productive conversations on expanding opportunities for Kentucky’s students.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.