FRANKFORT, Ky. (WCHS) — The lawsuit Rose v. Council for Better Education is back in action.
The Kentucky Student Voice Team recently spoke about the lawsuit, highlighting a ruling from the Kentucky Supreme Court. This decision reaffirmed that every student in Kentucky has the right to a quality education. Many believe that this right is not being met.
Chase Colvin, one of the plaintiffs, explained that the lawsuit targets policymakers in Frankfort. He emphasized that their decisions—or lack thereof—have left many students without the support they need.
We spoke with Eddie Campbell, president of the Kentucky Education Association, about whether all students in Kentucky receive a high-quality education. He noted that since the Rose decision in the 1990s, efforts have been made to ensure that every public school provides adequate education. However, he expressed concern over the decline in resources available to schools over the years.
Students are pushing for the implementation of seven key educational capacities outlined in the Rose decision, which they believe every student should learn. These capacities include:
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Understanding economic, social, and political systems
- Knowledge of government processes
- A solid grasp of mental and physical health
- Appreciation of arts and cultural history
- Advanced training for career readiness
- Academic or vocational skills for competition
Ivy Litton, a member of the Kentucky Student Voice Team, highlighted that the lawsuit is not just about funding issues. It’s about ensuring schools prepare students to be critical thinkers and active citizens.
Since 2012, the Kentucky Student Voice Team has gathered input from students across the state to help improve education. Campbell stressed the importance of listening when students express their educational needs and desires.
Litton shared that many students lack proper civics education, often taking tests rather than dedicated courses. She also pointed out that funding disparities exist based on geographic location, which the lawsuit addresses. Campbell added that Kentucky’s SEEK Funding Formula is currently underfunded by about 26%, and it has not kept pace with inflation.
The SEEK Funding Formula determines the cost of education for each student in Kentucky.
A spokesperson for the defendants in the lawsuit did not comment but noted that education funding has increased annually since Republicans took control of the General Assembly.
Litton believes that fixing funding issues and how funds are used could lead to better-rounded education, shifting the focus away from standardized testing.
The plaintiffs hope the court will recognize that they have been denied an adequate education. They also want to emphasize the importance of including parents, students, and teachers in education discussions, allowing for debates on current events in the classroom.
As the legal process unfolds, the Kentucky Student Voice Team will host public forums across the state to gather more ideas on improving education.
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