"We hold the total absence of any security measures to ensure an electronic signature was in fact made by the purported signatory negates the petition," the Kentucky Supreme Court’s opinion says.

The "No JCPS Tax Hike" petition committee filed the appeal Monday, days after one of the group's leaders asked supporters for donations after their original law firm, Stoll Keenan Ogden, said it would no longer provide representation pro bono.

The Jefferson County Board of Education will commit millions of dollars in expected new revenue from a disputed 7-cent property tax rate increase to updated facilities, more resources for high-need schools, racial equity initiatives and more instructional time for students.

Theresa Camoriano, a patent attorney who heads the Louisville Tea Party, also speculated that JCPS added the names of dead voters on the “No JCPS Tax Hike” petition, which is the subject of a lawsuit challenging its validity.

Those wanting to address the board will be allowed inside VanHoose Education Center one at a time during the 5:30 p.m. tax hearing to voice their support or opposition through video conferencing.