Rep. Miles backs Amendment 2, citing need for more educational opportunities

October 31, 2024 | 12:15 am

Updated October 30, 2024 | 10:17 pm

Suzanne Miles

Appearing as the second question on ballots across Kentucky, Constitutional Amendment 2 asks voters whether or not they want to allow state legislators to discuss and potentially reform Kentucky’s approach to K-12 education.

State Rep. Suzanne Miles, who introduced and is the primary sponsor of the bill, said the amendment would allow the General Assembly to explore new approaches to education.

Miles represents Kentucky’s 7th District, which spans part of Daviess County, and is the Majority Caucus Chair for the KY House. A leading advocate of the amendment, Miles expressed her belief that education should adapt to serve the needs of all students.

“I’m a firm believer that education can be the pathway for all children to succeed no matter their socioeconomics, demographics, or circumstances,” Miles said, adding that the current K-12 system often operates as a “one size fits most.”

She referenced the federal government’s No Child Left Behind initiative from the early 2000s and said, “Kentucky is a lonely island of our nation that has been left behind.”

If passed, Amendment 2 would authorize the General Assembly to consider a range of options similar to those offered in other states, which already have school choice programs. Miles expressed that school choice simply means legislators could have several options to consider. 

“Almost every other state, including all seven of our neighboring states, have some form of school choice,” Miles said. “This amendment would allow us to start the conversation for Kentuckians about how our taxpayer-funded education can become an education model that leaves no child behind.”

Miles noted that while the amendment would not implement immediate changes and does not propose a specific policy, it would allow lawmakers to deliberate on modernizing Kentucky’s education system. According to her, the current framework, rooted in a constitution adopted over a century ago, limits flexibility in managing funds effectively to meet today’s educational needs. 

“It’s not a money issue, but a money management issue restricted by a constitution adopted over 100 years ago,” she said. “At that time, the drafters couldn’t have imagined the potential advances in technology, transportation, and access to K-12 education.”

Miles emphasized that Kentucky taxpayers deserve a voice in how their contributions are allocated toward education. 

“How do they want their taxes invested? The way of the past or the future, with access to the best education for some or all?” she asked, underscoring that the decision lies with Kentuckians as to whether the state maintains its current system or explores school choice options aimed at serving a broader range of needs.

The proposed ballot language will read:

“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?”

If passed, the constitutional amendment will read:

“The General Assembly may provide financial support for the education of students outside 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.”

According to Miles, the amendment also represents an opportunity for Kentucky to learn from the successes and failures of other states that have already implemented various school choice initiatives. 

“Most all the other states have evidence of what does and does not work,” she said. “This will enable the legislators, the families, and the partners in education to evaluate best practices if Kentucky wants to consider new opportunities or goals for every child to thrive.”

Miles characterized the amendment as securing educational freedom and equity for all Kentucky students. She said a “yes” vote for Constitutional Amendment 2 is a vote to consider freedom in education for every child.

“The children are our future, and the success of our commonwealth is dependent upon them,” she said.

In Daviess County, early voting runs Thursday through Saturday at the Owensboro Sportscenter from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Election day is November 5. Daviess County residents can vote at any of the 14 local polling places from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. that day.

October 31, 2024 | 12:15 am

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