Kentucky voters are facing a decision this November that could fundamentally alter the future of public education in the state. Amendment 2, a proposed change to the Kentucky Constitution, seeks to give the Legislature the power to divert public tax dollars away from public schools and direct them toward private institutions. The implications of this amendment are far-reaching, and they deserve the close attention of every voter who cares about the future of our schools and communities.

The Martin County Board of Education has sounded the alarm on this issue, urging a resounding “no” vote on Amendment 2. Superintendent Larry James has been clear in his stance: this amendment is about taking money from public schools, which serve all students, and handing it to private schools that are not bound by the same rules, standards or transparency. This move, if approved, would be a significant step backward for public education in Kentucky.

At its core, Amendment 2 represents a stark choice between investing in our public school system—a system that is accountable to all citizens and serves every child—and subsidizing private schools that can pick and choose their students. The ballot language, which speaks of giving parents choices in educational opportunities, is deceptively simple. The reality is that this amendment would open the door to a system where public funds are used to support private interests, with little to no oversight.

The impact on rural communities like Martin County could be particularly devastating. As District 1 board member Mickey McCoy pointed out in a BOE meeting Monday night, many rural areas in Kentucky do not even have private schools. Yet, under Amendment 2, these communities would still see their public school funding siphoned off to support private institutions elsewhere in the state. This is an attack on public education and rural communities.

Let’s be clear: public schools are the cornerstone of our society. They are where children from all walks of life come together to learn, grow and prepare for the future. They are bound by law to serve every student, regardless of background or ability. Diverting funds from these schools to support private institutions undermines this mission and threatens to create an even wider gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots.”

It is also important to consider the broader implications of this amendment. If Kentucky were to adopt a voucher system similar to Florida’s, as some proponents of Amendment 2 suggest, the consequences could be dire. A report from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy estimates that Martin County alone could see a 17% reduction in its education budget, leading to the loss of about 40 educator jobs and a $4.4 million cut in funding. This money should be used to support our public schools, not to subsidize private education for a privileged few.

Superintendent James put it best: if people want to send their children to private schools, they should be free to do so—but they should also be willing to pay for it. Public tax dollars are meant for public goods, and there is no more vital public good than our education system.

This November, Kentucky voters have the power to protect their public schools by rejecting Amendment 2. A vote against this amendment is a vote for fairness, accountability and the belief that every child deserves a quality education, regardless of their background. It is a vote to keep public funds where they belong: in public schools serving all of Kentucky’s children.