The Kentucky General Assembly passed HB 9, a bill that makes major improvements to the state’s charter school law, most notably by providing a permanent funding mechanism for charter schools. As one of only seven states without any operating charter schools and the innovation and equity in education they bring, Kentucky stands to finish the job it started with its initial charter school law in 2017, finally delivering expanded choice in public education to families and students.
“Kentucky families want more public school options, particularly in light of what has happened during the pandemic. Public charter schools are a proven way to provide these options,” said Todd Ziebarth, Senior Vice President of State Advocacy and Support at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “These unique, high-quality schools are tuition-free, open to all, always public, and deliver on the promise of public education. Public charter schools have proven to be particularly effective in serving low-income students of color in communities from coast to coast.”
The bill is now heading to Governor Beshear for his signature. The National Alliance calls on Governor Beshear to stand with the state’s educators, parents, and students who want more high-quality public education options and sign HB 9 into law.
The National Alliance thanks Representative Chad McCoy and Senator David Givens for their leadership in passing this bill.
