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One of the biggest fights in Kentucky's 2024 general election will almost surely be over Amendment 2, the ballot question that will allow voters to decide whether public tax dollars should be allowed to go to private schools.

If voters approve Amendment 2, state lawmakers will be able to change Kentucky's constitution in the 2025 legislative session, paving the way for charter school funding and perhaps even private school vouchers.

Advocates on both sides of the issue have already organized to persuade voters.

Here are some facts about Amendment 2 and the debate over tax dollars and private/charter schools.

What does Amendment 2 propose?

"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?

"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."

Voters then choose either "yes" or "no" on their ballots.

What happens if Amendment 2 passes?

The passage of Amendment 2 would not automatically fund charter schools or create a private school voucher system in Kentucky.

Instead, state lawmakers would be authorized to change Kentucky's constitution in the 2025 legislative session with the wording in the ballot question.

That, in turn, would would pave the way for a variety of GOP initiatives, including charter schools.

The Republican supermajority in Frankfort approved charters schools in 2017 and funding for charter schools in 2022, but a judge ruled last year that those violated Kentucky's constitution.

Changing Kentucky's constitution will ensure future funding for charter schools can withstand any legal challenges.

The change would also allow lawmakers to pass additional legislation to use public tax dollars for other education initiatives.

Will Amendment 2 hurt Kentucky's public school system?

The answer to this question is subjective and at the heart of why debate over Amendment 2 and issues such as charter schools has been so fierce.

Supporters of Amendment 2 say lawmakers could fund a separate program to funnel money into charter schools without taking away money from public schools. Furthermore, they contend the competition with charter schools will encourage public schools to improve.

They also say the debate should center on how to get the best outcomes for students, which they believe will be more likely if parents have more choices of where to send their children.

But opponents point to the biggest source of public school funding in Kentucky, known as "SEEK" (Support Education Excellence in Kentucky) or per pupil funding. Under the most recently passed state budget, each public school will receive $4,586 per student next year.

Opponents contend that if public schools lose students to publicly funded charter or private schools, they also lose their per pupil funding.

They say that school expenses are largely fixed and would not go down substantially if schools lose students – even though their funding would decrease.

Critics also say charter schools can select their student population and will therefore turn away the students who need the most help, leaving public schools with the students who are hardest to educate and by extension, the most expensive to educate.

What is a charter school?

A charter school is a publicly funded, tuition-free school that is independently operated outside the public school system.

Charter schools are largely exempt from state curriculum requirements and regulations, so they can create specialized programs. And they do not have to accept all students who apply.

What are private school vouchers?

These vouchers are a form of government funding that allow parents to send their children to private schools, including religious schools, using public money.

Amendment 2 would not create this system, but it would create the legal environment to allow private school vouchers if state lawmakers decide to implement them in Kentucky.

Do other states allow charter/private schools?