LOUISVILLE, KY (WDRB) -- One group hopes Kentucky's new legislative session brings drastic changes to the state's education system.
Kentucky is now one of only nine states that do not allow public charter schools, and some want the state to be taken off that list this year.
"Kentucky's schools are failing, but there is a better way. Public charter schools offer information and accountability," says a commercial that began airing throughout the state Tuesday.
It's funded by a group called Kentuckians Advocating Reform in Education, or KARE, which is chaired by former Metro Council Member Hal Heiner.
"It is the way for at-risk youth, for them to be successful in life, to get the kind of education every child needs to be successful, and public charters have shown if they're set up right, the results are amazing," he said.
Public charters use tax-payer money, but are not subject to many of the rules and regulations that other public schools are. Many have higher standards for entrance, and use longer school days and school years to boost scores. Lawmakers have said the state's schools will be a top priority this legislative session...
"I think you'll see the governor continue to protect elementary and secondary education, public safety and human services," said State Representative Greg Stumbo.
KARE hopes the discussion will involve public charters. The model is not without its problems though. Charters in other states have failed, and people have been accused of taking advantage of the system for personal profit. But KARE says that's an advantage of being one of the final states to approve them. The group believes it knows what works and what doesn't.
"Anytime there are state tax dollars involved, it's important that the legislation be very well-crafted. I think there's some great examples around the country that would allow this to move forward," said Heiner.
KARE claims Kentucky's lack of public charters has cost it Race to the Top grants from the Obama Administration. Tennessee was given $500 million last year after lawmakers there lifted the cap on the number of new charters there.
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