By Leann Burchfield – Library Media Specialist

The notion that school vouchers won’t harm public education is misleading. Public schools rely heavily on state funding, and in Kentucky, the SEEK (Support Education Excellence in Kentucky) formula determines how funds are distributed. When students leave public schools for private or charter schools, the funding follows them, yet fixed costs such as building maintenance, teacher salaries, and transportation remain.

A 2021 report by the Center of Budget and Policy Priorities reveals that voucher programs in states like Indiana and Ohio have led to significant public school funding cuts, particularly in low-income areas. Kentucky already ranks 45th in the nation for per-pupil (student) funding adjusted for cost of living, as per the Education Law Center’s 2023 report. Any further depletion of funds could spell disaster for schools already struggling to meet students' needs. 

School choice proponents argue that vouchers allow parents to select “better performing” schools. However, research suggests otherwise. A 2018 study from the University of Notre Dame found that students in Indiana’s voucher program who transferred from public schools performed worse on standardized tests, particularly math. Private schools often lack the same level of accountability and oversight as public schools, meaning there’s no guarantee of higher quality. Moreover, many private schools are not required to accept students with disabilities or other special needs, leaving public schools to educate the most vulnerable students without the necessary resources. 

Critics note that Kentucky ranks between 32nd and 39th in the national education rankings. Their rankings often reflect deeper systemic issues, such as child poverty rates, which in Kentucky are among the highest in the nation at 19% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023). Poverty impacts students’ learning readiness, absenteeism, and overall academic achievement. Rather than focusing on competition, policies should address their root causes by increasing funding for public schools, improving early childhood education, and expanding support services. Investments in these areas, rather than private school choice programs, are what improve educational outcomes over time.

The teacher shortage in Kentucky is another pressing issue, but the cause is not a lack of school choice but underinvestment in public education. According to the Kentucky Department of Education, the state had over 1,500 teacher vacancies at the start of the 2023-2024 school year, mirroring a nationwide trend. The average teacher salary in Kentucky is $54,000, ranking 40th in the U.S., well below the national average of $67,000 (National Education Association, 2023). States with more substantial teacher pay and professional development investments have smaller teacher shortages. Offering vouchers or creating alternative routes to teaching through programs like Option 6 or Option 9 does not address the underlying issues of low pay, high stress, and inadequate support that drive teachers away from the profession.

Public schools are more than places of learning. They are community centers that serve all children, regardless of income, background, or ability. Over 600,000 students attend public schools in Kentucky, with over 60% qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting many families’ economic challenges. Voucher programs threaten to undermine this inclusive system by directing public funds toward private schools that often do not reflect the diversity of their communities. In states like Wisconsin, voucher programs have disproportionately benefited wealthier, more privileged students, while low-income students and students of color were left in increasingly underfunded public schools. Kentucky’s public schools need more resources, not fewer, to continue serving the students who depend on them the most.

Voucher programs have direct effects on the local economy. When voucher programs cut public school funding, schools often need to reduce staff, programs, and resources. This can lead to job losses, especially in support roles. The effects of these job losses ripple out into the community. When school employees lose their jobs or have their wages cut, they spend less money locally. This hurts small businesses, which see fewer sales and might even have to close, especially in areas without much economic diversity. Lower local spending can reduce property values and tax revenue, creating a cycle of economic decline. Less money made equals fewer dollars spent locally in Clay County.

In conclusion, while school choice may sound appealing, the reality is that voucher programs like Amendment 2 and similar initiatives pose a severe risk to public schools and the students who rely on them. The focus should be on strengthening Kentucky’s public education system by increasing funding, supporting teachers, and investing in every child’s future, not diverting resources away from it. Kentucky’s children deserve well-funded public schools, committed teachers, and a system that works for everyone, not just those who can afford to opt-out.