Hundreds of students, the majority from private schools, rallied at the capitol Thursday as part of National School Choice Week. Kentucky lawmakers could take up legislation to support expanding opportunities for students to attend private schools.
Students waved yellow towels promoting school choice on the walk and grass between the capitol and annex where lawmakers travel back and forth. Eli Hutchinson attends Somerset Christian School.
“I’m in full support of the bill. Our history teacher Mr. Brotherton, he brought us here. It’s a free day, out of school, supporting a good cause, so I’m down,” said Hutchinson.
Legislation filed in both chambers sets up a state income tax credit for tuition assistance. It would help low-income students and those with disabilities to attend qualified, scholarship-granting private schools.
Kentucky Education Association President Stephanie Winkler worries about school choice measures. She says public schools, quote, “take anyone who walks through the door regardless of financial background, religion, sex, or creed”. “They choose private schools, parochial schools, home schools. People have choices now,” said Winkler.
No school choice bills have been heard so far this session.
