Opinion – Antoine Smith-Rouse: A ‘NO’ vote on Amendment 2 is a vote for Kentucky’s future

Public education is about opportunity. It ensures every child—regardless of background—accesses quality learning, a key pillar of the American dream. Kentucky’s Constitutional Amendment 2 threatens this by diverting public funds to private schools. Voting “yes” on this amendment won’t reform education or create more opportunities; it will widen the gaps between the wealthy and the rest and further burden our teachers.

Amendment 2 fundamentally shifts how we support education. Rather than investing in public schools where most Kentucky children are educated, it redirects taxpayer dollars to private schools that aren’t held to the same accountability and standards as public schools.

Lack of regulation and accountability

Public schools are overseen by elected boards and must meet strict requirements for curricula, teacher certification, and student safety. Private schools, however, operate with far less oversight and set their own policies. Sending public money to private institutions means no guarantees of quality or accountability.

Unlike public schools, private institutions are not answerable to voters or required to meet the same rigorous standards. This disparity in oversight undermines a fair and just education system. Public schools, by contrast, are accountable to the community and subject to review by the people.

Widening the gaps

If passed, Amendment 2 will widen the divide between wealthy families, who already have access to private schools, and those relying on underfunded public schools. The amendment would further subsidize the wealthy while public schools serving low- and middle-income families would suffer from even more underfunding.

The redistribution of public funds will benefit those who need it least, undermining the promise of quality education for all children, not just those whose parents can afford private tuition.

The Real Beneficiaries

Amendment 2 primarily benefits families who can already afford private schools or meet selective admissions criteria. Public schools, on the other hand, serve everyone and are critical to our communities. Diverting resources away from public schools harms the most vulnerable students who rely on them.

A blow to teachers

Public school teachers, already stretched thin, would face larger class sizes and fewer resources with further cuts. Additionally, private schools aren’t required to hire certified teachers or maintain professional standards.

The path forward

Amendment 2 may seem like a way to offer more educational choices, but in reality, it will weaken public education and leave vulnerable students behind. Voting “no” on Amendment 2 is a vote to preserve the accountability and standards of our public schools, ensuring taxpayer dollars aren’t diverted to unregulated private institutions. It’s a vote to protect equitable education for all children, not just the wealthy.

Voting “no” is a vote for Kentucky’s future. For our children. For our teachers. And for the promise of education as a bridge to opportunity, not a wall that divides.

Antoine Smith-Rouse is a Boone County resident and father.

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