Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Kentuckians will soon vote on a proposed amendment to the state constitution that could provide financial support for students attending non-public schools. This initiative, known as Amendment 2, seeks to allow the General Assembly to fund education costs for students from kindergarten through 12th grade who are not in public schools.

Carmen Gallegos, a member of St. Rita Church in Louisville, supports the amendment. Her family benefits from financial aid provided by the Catholic Education Foundation and St. Rita School, enabling her two daughters to attend Catholic school.

“There’s no way I could afford to pay for both of them, even working two jobs,” said Gallegos. She emphasized that her children have overcome language barriers and are progressing well academically due to the personalized attention they receive from their teachers.

Rebecca Ramirez, another St. Rita parishioner with three children enrolled in the parish school, echoed Gallegos' sentiments. She believes that a Catholic education has allowed her children to excel academically despite financial constraints exacerbated by inflation.

“We don’t take big vacations or drive new cars,” Ramirez noted, attributing their ability to afford Catholic school to financial assistance from various sources including the Catholic Education Foundation.

Shannon Cammack also sees value in a Catholic education. As a single parent with an eighth grader at St. James School in Louisville, she relies on financial aid from Community Catholic Center for tuition assistance.

“Financial aid is a wonderful thing. I could not afford Catholic school by myself as a single parent,” said Cammack.

The amendment has garnered support from families who believe it will open educational opportunities and better prepare their children for future success.

“There are so many families I know who want Catholic education... We’ve been blessed,” added Cammack.

As Kentuckians prepare to vote in November, the potential impact of Amendment 2 on educational choices and financial support remains a significant consideration for many families across the state.