LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- November's General Election is less than 30 days away, and many are paying attention to Amendment 2 in Kentucky.

The question to amend the state's constitution relates to school choice, and has been a contentious topic for Kentucky voters. 

The ballot question reads:

"To give parents choices in educational opportunities for their children, are you in favor of enabling the General Assembly to provide financial support for the education costs of students in kindergarten through 12th grade who are outside the system of common (public) schools by amending the Constitution of Kentucky as stated below? 

It is proposed that a new section be added to the constitution of Kentucky to read as follows:

The General Assembly may provide financial support for the education of students outside of the system of common schools. The General Assembly may exercise this authority by law, Sections 59, 60, 171, 183, 184, 186, and 189 of this Constitution notwithstanding."

With weeks to go before the election, different school-related groups are taking different stances.

This week, the Kentucky Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution opposing Amendment 2. KBE said it supports the use of state dollars to exclusively fund the common system of public schools.

Download PDF KBE Resolution on Amendment 2

"We know that separate but equal is not a reality that can be realized," said KBE Chair Sharon Porter Robinson. "This resolution is not directing our constituents, our colleagues, our neighbors how to vote. It is an opportunity to say as a Kentucky Board of Education that we support our common schools and want to see the dollars collected for them, directed to them, and not diverted." 

The Catholic Education Foundation feels differently. The foundation is focused on promoting growth and access to Catholic schools in Louisville. It offers tuition assistance for families who demonstrate a financial need.

On its podcast, President Richard Lechleiter said a "yes" on Amendment 2 would expand the work the foundation already does.

"Everybody wins, you know, the kids that can afford to go to a Catholic school can attend. The kid that can't afford to go can attend as well and they can sit next to each other in same classroom, everybody wins," said Lechleiter. "Now you've got a chance to say, 'gosh we've got a chance to go to St. Gabriel,' or wherever you're talking about going, and that's reality for your family." 

Lawmakers passed a measure earlier this year to put the question on November's ballot. A push by Republican lawmakers for the constitutional amendment came after previous school choice laws were struck down.

In 2022, the Kentucky Supreme Court struck down a state law that allowed donors to receive tax credits for supporting private school tuition. This measure was known as "education opportunity accounts." The grants could have been used for an array of educational expenses — including private school tuition in several of the state’s most populated counties. 

Opponents warned the tax credits would cost the state treasury up to $25 million a year — money they said could go toward public education. Supporters said the measure offered opportunities for parents who want new schooling options for their children but are unable to afford them.

In 2023, a Franklin County Circuit Court judge struck down a law aimed at setting up funding methods for charter schools in Kentucky. Such publicly-funded charter schools would be operated by independent groups with fewer regulations than most public schools.

The bill's opponents warned that it would siphon money from traditional public schools. But supporters portray charter schools as a way to give parents more choices for their children's schooling.

Some Kentucky voters have also taken a strong stance on Amendment 2.

Laura O'Brien is a mother of two students in Oldham County Schools and supporter of Amendment 2. While she said she's happy with her family's schools, she said she's fighting for other students who may not be. 

"There's a whole lot of people who are afraid of what school choice would look like, or concerned about, you know, if, will it leave kids out," O'Brien said during an interview with WDRB on Wednesday. "My fight in this is for those who public school may not be a good fit for them."

O'Brien said if voters research the laws previously struck down, it may alleviate concerns.

"I see the possibilities that are already in the books that those could be funded if amendment 2 passes," she said.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Hazelett, a freshman at Morehead State, said he opposes Amendment 2. He is part of the Kentucky Student Voice Team, which will host a bus tour on Oct. 13 advocating against Amendment 2. 

"I think it would devastate our schools," Hazelett said. "I think Amendment 2 is the last-ditch resort that the legislature has."

Hazelett grew up in Eastern Kentucky and fears the outcomes of Amendment 2 would financially impact schools.

"It's not sustainable for Kentucky and it is robbing our children, like my sister, Reagan, who's now in fourth grade, of a good quality education for years to come," he said.

Election Day is Nov. 5. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time in Kentucky. 

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