Yes on Amendment2 is great for Kentucky education and Catholic schools

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David Cooley

Contributor

There’s nothing quite like the excitement that surrounds the back-to-school season. This time of year, I can’t help but praise God for Catholic schools. Catholic education is such a vital ministry of the Church. It is a ministry that began because the Church was the first to recognize that all people are beloved children of God, have inherent dignity and deserve to have access to the fullness of the truth.

In a Catholic school students encounter Jesus every day. They pray, receive sacraments, learn the faith and participate in ancient traditions. Children grow together, guided by loving adults and learn what it means to be in a Christian community. They are taught to love their neighbors, serve one another, strive for justice and peace and to show mercy and forgiveness.

While it is true that Catholic schools are known for academic excellence and do a fantastic job of preparing young people for college and careers, we recognize that these are just happy byproducts of a school centered on Christ that teaches students about eternity.

Worldly success has its place, but it is nothing compared to our universal call to holiness. Catholic students learn that God created every single person for a unique purpose in life, but ultimately to be happy with Him forever in heaven. It’s a beautiful message, but it’s also the truth, and it creates an environment where all people can flourish and be joyful.

There is an added level of excitement and anticipation this year in Kentucky with the prospect of Amendment 2 on the ballot in November. This amendment to the state’s constitution will enable legislators to implement school choice programs.

The passing of this amendment would be a win for everyone, but it will especially be a win for parents who want to send their child to a Catholic school but otherwise might not have the means to do so. This amendment should lead to allowing all parents to make decisions that reflect their family’s faith and values, ensuring that their children receive an education that aligns with their moral and spiritual worldview.

My hope is that in Kentucky’s near future parents will be able to send their children to whatever school they think is best for them. This could be a public school or a nonpublic school, but all the obstacles that hindered them in the past, such as a financial burden, will be removed. We all want what is best for children and for our society. School choice ensures that children, regardless of their background or neighborhood, receive an education that prepares them for a bright and hopeful future.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there. I encourage everyone to read the amendment and see that it is designed to support all students and families no matter where they are or what their needs might be. If you believe that parents should be able to find the type of education that works best for their child for them to be successful, you can confidently vote YES on Amendment 2. It doesn’t implement a school choice program, but it is a big step in the right direction.

A school where students are taught that they are beloved children of God, that they are called to love and serve their neighbors, strive for justice and peace, and to show mercy and forgiveness to one another is a blessing for all. Catholic schools benefit society in so many ways. We should do everything we can to preserve them for the future.

David Cooley is co-director of the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization for the Diocese of Covington.

Diocese urges support for Amendment 2 from teachers at professional development sessions

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Maura Baker

Staff Writer

With the 2024–2025 school year on the horizon, the diocesan Schools Office brought in teachers for professional development days, occurring over four sessions divided by grade level, Aug. 1–2, at St. Barbara Parish, Erlanger.

The sessions, which began with presentations and reflections by Chris Padgett, author, musician and cofounder of CenterForHolyMarriage.com, geared teachers for the upcoming school year with information on new programs and interests of the Diocese of Covington’s schools.

One such interest is the promotion of the upcoming Amendment 2 on the Kentucky ballot for November’s election, posing the question, “To give parents choices in educational opportunities for their children, are you in favor of enabling the General Assembly to provide financialsupport 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?”— with the amending text reading “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.”

“Yes on 2” promotes school choice, and the Diocese of Covington vouches for voting “Yes” on the ballot this fall.

Kendra McGuire, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools, brought this interest to the attention of teachers during each session. For the upcoming school year, diocesan interest in serving under-represented communities is increasing. Programs such as the inclusion of the FIRE Foundation, which seeks to make Catholic schools accessible to students with disabilities, are being implemented in the new year.

“Another hindrance that we see especially in all our schools is finances,” said Mrs. McGuire. “Finances sometimes are a barrier to serving our families.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states the responsibility of education for children, and as such, Mrs. McGuire said, “Parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental.”

Two years ago, the Vatican published a document called “The Identity of a Catholic School for a Cultural Dialogue,” which stated that, according to Mrs. McGuire, “a distinctive feature of the ecclesial nature of our schools is that it is a school for all, especially the weakest.”

Historically, Catholic schools were established by religious to serve the neediest populations — this mission remains.

Mrs. McGuire stressed that the passing of Amendment 2 won’t take away from public school funding, which is required to remain fully funded by law of the Kentucky Constitution — but would allow money to “follow the student” to allow for families a wider range of choice for education, regardless of financial barriers.

As of 2024, 33 states in the United States have some sort of school choice program or charter school law in effect, including every state bordering Kentucky.

If the amendment passes, no immediate programs will become effective, but it will allow “state legislators to listen to constituents across the state to choose to establish or not establish a school choice program in Kentucky,” Mrs. McGuire said. “I hope you will consider voting yes so that we can help all students in our state choose the school that’s best for them.”

“This is the moment for us in making an effort towards school choice,” she continued, “If it doesn’t pass in November, then we are out of options for these children.”