Kentucky public school advocates flex endorsements, opponents are not surprised

FRANKFORT, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — The campaign around this year’s Amendment 2 in Kentucky is heating up, with one side flexing a large number of endorsements 50 days before Election Day.

“The size of the coalition really, I think, sends a large statement that Kentuckians as a whole we love our public schools and it’s our job to protect them,” Fayette County Education Association President Jessica Hiler said.

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Protect Our Schools KY is the coalition representing different stakeholders and public education advocates advocating against Amendment 2. On Monday, the coalition shared that more than 100 organizations around the state are now allied with them, such as Kentucky’s chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Executive Director Brenda Rosen shared concern that approving the amendment could impact funding for resources like counselors

“If Amendment Two passes, our public schools will not have what they need to meet the needs of our students, and disinvestment will lead to cuts in critical services for our future citizens,” Rosen said.

“To say that there is no money left over if those funds are diverted, just I don’t think is a great argument, because there’s a lot of funding going into public schools in Kentucky, almost half the budget,” Gus LaFontaine told FOX 56. LaFontaine, who founded the Richmond preparatory school sharing his namesake, felt the argument was disingenuous.

If Amendment 2 is approved, the state constitution could then allow tax money to pay for students attending schools like his own. Opponents say public money should stay with public schools, and supporters like LaFontaine said that money should follow students instead of the school system itself.

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“It’s not a surprise to see union-backed organizations backing the opposition to Amendment Two. I think our side on this issue revolves around parents and specifically the freedom that parents would obtain,” LaFontaine said.

Endorsing Organizations of Protect Our Schools KY, as of Sept 16:

LaFontaine said much of the “vote yes” movement is grassroots-oriented. Protect Our Schools KY released the following list of backers:

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