A measure of school choice framed by supporters and foes alike as a pivotal moment for Kentucky education

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Prominent Kentucky leaders on both sides of school choice voting agent see the issue as a pivotal moment for education and make final remarks before Thursday’s early voting begins.

Voters will decide whether to amend Kentucky’s constitution to allow tax funding for students attending private or charter schools. Supporters include Republican Sen. Rand Paul and his wife, Kelley. Governor Andy Beshear i Lt. Governor Jacqueline ColemanBoth Democrats lead the opposition against this solution.

Coleman, a former public school teacher and administrator, warns of dire consequences for public education – from funding to athletics – if the proposal known as Amendment 2 wins voter approval.

“I, along with my fellow teachers across Kentucky, feel the weight of this moment,” Coleman said at an event for opponents of the proposed constitutional amendment.

Proponents argue that greater school choice will not change commitment to public education. Rand Paul says it can change the lives of young people who currently struggle with learning by giving parents more options to place them in schools that best meet their needs.

“What I see is wasted potential,” the senator said during a town hall Tuesday evening.

Currently, Kentucky’s constitution allows taxpayer money to fund only “comprehensive schools,” which state courts have interpreted as public.

The Kentucky amendment is one of three school choice measures that will go before voters in November. Colorado’s measure would provide K-12 students with the constitutional right to choose their school. In Nebraska, voters will decide whether to repeal a new state law that funds private school tuition with state funds.

Most states offer some type of state-supported program to help defray the costs of private schools.

With no statewide office up for grabs and the state safely seen in the GOP presidential column, the school choice issue is Kentucky’s hottest election debate and another testing ground for a controversial issue with far-reaching consequences for the future of school funding in the country.

Three days of early voting begin in Kentucky on Thursday. Voters can cast ballots without having to justify themselves again on Friday and Saturday before Tuesday’s election. Secretary of State Michael Adams urged Kentuckians to vote early if possible because of expected high turnout on Tuesday.

Kentucky’s Republican-majority legislature put the school choice issue on the ballot. The proposal would not specify rules for tax redirection. Instead, it would allow lawmakers to consider developing policies that support students who attend private or charter schools. Options may include tax-credit scholarships, education savings accounts, or vouchers.

“There is nothing in the school voucher program that will improve the quality of public education,” Coleman said.

Opponents of this solution claim that public money for education should go only to public schools.

Supporters say the proposal is not an attack on public schools. Paul said voter approval of the measure would spark innovation that would help public schools as well as private or charter schools.

“Competition makes all schools better,” the senator said.

The lack of a funding mechanism for charter schools prevents them from opening in Kentucky.

Meanwhile, Kentucky Republicans are expected to maintain their overwhelming legislative majority in Tuesday’s election. The recent death of Republican state Sen. Johnnie Turner has sparked a scramble among the 11 candidates seeking to fill the eastern Kentucky seat. Any votes for Turner or any other candidate who has withdrawn from the race will not count.

Turner was known for his strong support of the coal industry and other causes in his Appalachian district. He died last week from injuries suffered in September when he plunged into an empty swimming pool at his home while riding a lawn mower.