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Kentucky Educators Rally Against Education Budget Cuts

Group of educators protesting for education funding

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News Summary

In Lexington, KY, dozens rallied against proposed education budget cuts following Linda McMahon’s confirmation as Secretary of Education. The rally highlighted concerns over potential job losses and funding reductions that could impact public schools, particularly special education programs. Educators emphasized the need for adequate funding and expressed their frustration towards previous legislative decisions. Community-driven initiatives are also underway to address literacy needs in regions affected by recent natural disasters.

Lexington, KY – Dozens of members from KY 120 United-AFT rallied in Lexington on Tuesday to express their concerns over proposed cuts to education budgets following the confirmation of Linda McMahon as the new Secretary of Education. McMahon has intentions to transfer control of education back to the states, a move that has stirred apprehension among educators about potential funding reductions and job losses, particularly affecting special education programs.

The demonstration took place just one day after McMahon’s confirmation and was aimed at raising awareness against the possible implications her policies might have on public education. Chants of “Education is a human right” filled the air as educators gathered in front of the old board of education building on Main Street. In a clear message, participants emphasized the critical nature of adequate funding for public education in Kentucky.

Among those present was Sarah Fightmaster Bayerle, the president of KY 120 United-AFT, who spoke about the devastating impact that budget cuts could have on essential programs. The community’s frustration towards education cuts has been amplified by previous legislative decisions, including the rejection of Amendment Two in November, which was intended to bolster public school funding..

A common theme throughout the rally was the belief that public schools should serve the community’s needs rather than becoming politicized entities driven by budget cuts. FCPS School Board Chair Tyler Murphy conveyed concerns over how proposed cuts at the federal level could adversely affect local public education and the quality of resources available to students.

Current dynamics within the state education system further suggest complications ahead. Kentucky lawmakers have blocked attempts to cap virtual school enrollment statewide, despite new data indicating alarming performance issues in virtual programs. Last year, Cloverport Independent School District had the lowest performance rating, registering only 275 in-person students compared to approximately 2,800 enrolled virtually.

Amid this background, the Kentucky Virtual Academy (KYVA), which opened in the previous year, has seen substantial enrollment growth, drawing students amid safety concerns in traditional school environments following incidents of school shootings. However, Superintendent Keith Haynes remains committed to the virtual program, notwithstanding ongoing scrutiny regarding its effectiveness and academic performance.

In a recent legislative action, a bill was approved that would prevent capping virtual school enrollment until 2028, prompting further debate about the quality of education provided in such formats. Reports show that Cloverport’s virtual program has faced significant criticism, particularly its compliance with state regulations and the underperformance in critical assessments. In the most recent evaluations, only 9% of third-grade students in Cloverport achieved proficiency in state math assessments.

Concerns have also been raised regarding compliance issues with class sizes and testing participation in the virtual program. The Kentucky Department of Education has pointed out that the number of students tested in Cloverport’s virtual program was below federally mandated minimums, highlighting a gap in accountability that affects the integrity of educational standards.

Meanwhile, some youth initiatives are seeking to address the educational needs arising from natural disasters in the region. Second graders from Dixie Magnet Elementary in Lexington are collecting books as part of a project named “Pack Horse Libraries,” aimed at addressing literacy shortages in Eastern Kentucky areas affected by flooding. Students have successfully gathered over 500 books to send to impacted regions, with local efforts showcasing community commitment to support children’s education despite external challenges.

One notable initiative includes a project by senior Molly Sandlin from Knott County, who aptly named it “Knotts Words of Wonder.” This endeavor aims to provide post-flood access to literature, reinforcing the importance of literacy education during crises that have led to the loss of local libraries. These community-driven efforts highlight the ongoing commitment to education and support for those in need, even as broader systemic challenges persist within Kentucky’s education landscape.