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

Brenn Monroe and Brien Shea, parents of children with learning differences, advocate for Amendment 2 in Kentucky. They believe it would offer more educational options for students, leading to better outcomes. The amendment asks voters if they support lawmakers providing financial support for education costs outside the public school system.

Monroe and Shea's children attend Pitt Academy, a Catholic school serving students with learning differences from kindergarten to 12th grade. Shea noted significant improvements in his son's education after transferring to Pitt. His son, who has Down syndrome, struggled at his previous school. "He was just sitting in the room; he wasn’t expected to do anything," said Shea. The change "enhanced his life."

Shea highlighted the financial challenges of non-public schooling amid inflation and pandemic impacts. Tuition at Pitt ranges from $16,400 to $18,500 this year. Renee Doty, principal of Pitt Academy, stated that 56% of students received tuition assistance but many families still face hardships.

Doty believes Amendment 2 could help families access schools like Pitt that individualize instruction. Monroe emphasized the importance of parental choice for children with developmental or learning disabilities. She values the smaller environment at Pitt which suits her daughter's needs.

Monroe worries her daughter might struggle in larger schools but thrives socially at Pitt where "everyone from K-12 knows who she is." Similarly, Shea observed social benefits for his son who has made lifelong friends at Pitt.