Kentucky school district in hot water over social media post about school choice amendment

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky's attorney general is weighing in on whether school districts are allowed to lobby against a proposed constitutional amendment on school choice.

Voters will decide in November if Amendment 2 passes, and the debate is heating up.

Approval would remove the current constitutional barriers that block the state from giving parents state money in the form of vouchers to enroll their children in private or charter schools.

The controversy started when Pulaski County Schools, which is two hours south of Louisville, posted on its website homepage a graphic that says "No on Amendment 2, Public Funds for Public Schools" — clearly taking a stance on Amendment 2, encouraging citizens to vote no on the amendment.

The district also posted the graphic on its Facebook page, which is where the debate has taken off. In the comments, users said what the district has done is illegal because under Kentucky law, school districts can't spend taxpayer money on political activities.

Tuesday night, Attorney General Russell Coleman weighed in after getting multiple requests for comment. Coleman agrees, and said "Public resources may not be used to advocate for or against Amendment 2."

Coleman goes on to say "The Office is prepared to take any necessary action within its authority to ensure these constitutional and statutory limitations are upheld."

In a statement to WDRB earlier Tuesday, Pulaski County Schools said "This is an 'educational issue' and a 'school funding issue.' The Pulaski Board Members and Superintendent have a right to speak against Amendment 2."

At last check, the post is still live on the district's website and Facebook page.

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