KY public schools: Large employers who help meet community needs

Public News Service

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On the heels of voters’ overwhelming rejection of Amendment 2 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% of voters across the state.

Matthew Powell, a custodial supervisor and bus driver in Mayfield and president of the Kentucky Education Support Professionals Association, said well-funded public schools are the backbones of communities, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters.

“Here in Western Kentucky, we experienced a devastating tornado, and it was our public schools that opened our doors to our families to come in and get their needs met,” Powell pointed out.

A recent Kentucky Center for Economic Policy map shows 63% of the state’s counties lack certified private schools. Most are located in just 8% of the state’s wealthiest ZIP codes, which means 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% of its general fund budget on public schools, which serve more than 364,000 students. Powell added 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,” Powell emphasized.

While public schools are large local employers, Powell said employees often are not paid enough to make ends meet, and many work two or more jobs to support their families. He argued 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,” Powell asserted. “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.

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https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2024-12-23/education/ky-public-schools-large-employers-who-help-meet-community-needs/a94130-1