KY School Facility Conditions Moves to Front & Center of Discussion

The Kentucky House has indicated that it may be preparing to tackle the issue of the condition of school facilities in the Commonwealth. News reports suggest that proceeds from expanded gaming (if successfully enacted) could be directed toward investments in school construction. (NOTE: The Kentucky Opportunity Coalition is neutral on the gaming issue).

According to the Herald-Leader, House Speaker Greg Stumbo said, "I'm a proponent of building schools...We're looking at a proposal which we believe can act as an economic stimulus package and also help eliminate some of the awful ... schools we have in the state." 

The "awful" schools that Speaker Stumbo is referring to are Category 4 & 5 schools, which the Kentucky Department of Education describes as "deteriorated." The Kentucky Opportunity Coalition estimates that the resource "needs" to fix and/or replace these facilities is $600 million.

Whether the issue takes hold this special session remains to be seen. It is, however, encouraging that more and more of Kentucky's policymakers are recognizing the need to address the poor conditions that greet thousands of Kentucky's children when they walk through the schoolhouse doors.

We encourgage the dialogue to continue...