Rep.’s comments on Amendment 2 ignite debate over public school funding | News

PADUCAH — One issue Kentucky voters will face on Election Day is Amendment 2. The measure, if passed, would allow public money to fund private schools. A local representative’s comments on Amendment 2 have raised questions about its financial impact.







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WPSD-TV got more details on Wednesday about what the change might look like.

Recent comments to a local private school board have State Rep. Randy Bridges in the spotlight.

What sparked Bridges’ recent debate comments to the board of the Community Christian Academy of McCracken County? An article from Western Kentucky University public radio said a summary of what was discussed was sent to parents. The discussion included Bridges explaining that if it passes, there is an opportunity for private schools to directly receive state aid for tuition — basically a school voucher system.

He said school vouchers were never discussed, but a system that was discussed would allow Support Education Excellence in Kentucky or SEEK funding to go to private schools.

“SEEK funding travels with the child if the schools have cooperative agreements between the schools, between public schools. So if one goes to Ballard and they want to go to McCracken, that SEEK funding will follow them,” the rep said. Randy Bridges.







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SEEK Funding allocates state aid to local school districts. Bridges said that while several options have been discussed, nothing is set in stone; and if amendment 2 is passed, they must do a fiscal impact study.

“We’ve got to do a fiscal impact study. If it shows we’re going to constitute the state, we’re not going to do it. I can tell you, we’re not going to do it. We can’t fight. We” are mandated by the Constitution to have a balanced budget, and we have so many things that are constitutionally mandated,” Bridges said.

Jason Bailey of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy said that regardless of what representatives say, passing Amendment 2 will mean public schools will get less money.

“The money is going to have to come out of public schools. And the reason our founders put the commitment that public money goes to public schools in our constitution is because, you know, we can’t afford to fund two systems of schools, right?” Bailey said.

And the amendment may not help the people representatives say it’s intended to.

“On average, about 70% of the vouchers go to students who are already in private school, so it really creates a winner for families who are already paying for it themselves. They tend to be much better off financially,” Bailey said .

Bridges again emphasized that what Amendment 2 might look like is still very much up in the air and all avenues are being discussed. Bailey reiterated that Amendment 2 could be a way to bring back vouchers and the money would have to come from somewhere, eg. public schools.