On the heels of voters' overwhelming rejection of Amendment Two in November, Kentucky public school employees are urging lawmakers to double down on funding for public education. The constitutional amendment, which would have allowed taxpayer dollars to be used for private school vouchers, was vetoed by 65 percent of voters across the state. Custodial supervisor and bus driver in Mayfield, Matthew Powell, says well-funded public schools are the backbones of communities, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters.
A recent Kentucky Center for Economic Policy map shows that 63 percent of the state’s counties lack certified private schools. Most are located in just eight percent of the state's wealthiest ZIP Codes, meaning parents and students would have few options for support if their local public schools were to see further budget cuts.
The state typically spends around 45 percent of its general fund budget on public schools, which serve more than 634 thousand students. Powell adds that in rural areas, public schools are essential for helping students and families, well beyond academics.
"Whether it's food on the weekends or assistance with electricity, water bills that our parents are facing - it ultimately affects our students as well."
While public schools are large local employers, Powell says employees often aren't paid enough to make ends meet, and many work two or more jobs to support their families. He says increased funding could help ensure teachers and staff make a livable wage and contribute to job retention.
"It's ultimately our school employees who experience the devastating effects of those vouchers. Without a job, those employees can't sustain their community."
According to data from the Pew Research Center, traditional public-school enrollment across the nation has dipped slightly. In 2021, about 45 million students were enrolled in public schools, down from around 47 million in 2011.