Students work on a science project in front of a bulletin board reading “Always Be Kind” at John Paul II School in Morganfield, Ky., on Jan. 20, 2023. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We often speak of the obligation of parents to be the first educators of their children. This is especially noteworthy of the religious education and formation of their children.  The larger community shares in and assists in this formation. In the Catholic community, this is manifested in the establishment of schools or religious education programs.

It is not just in the area of religious and faith formation, however, that parents are expected to be their children’s first and most important educators. I think of the critical involvement of parents in their children’s education: from getting to know their teachers and school administrators, to the hours that parents spend with children on homework and school projects.

The education of children is not a “one size fits all” proposition.  For example, children with special needs may not always flourish in such an environment, and it is parents who are best suited to chart a way that maximizes their child’s potential.         

In Kentucky, we have a vast network of publicly-supported schools that serve the majority of students across the commonwealth. Citizens support this endeavor to serve the common good and for the benefit of society.

This November, citizens of the commonwealth have an opportunity to support Constitutional Amendment #2 that will expand the opportunity for the state legislature to consider support for parents and families that may find that their child flourishes better in a private school. Private schools offer a reasonable and just alternative that also serves the common good and benefits society.  This assistance may take many forms, and, if passed, it will be up to the legislature to fashion equitable ways to pursue this goal.

Many suggest that any such support will harm public school students. I believe, however, that empowering parents to choose the educational environment and opportunities for their child is a plus for all Kentuckians. In states that have embraced private school choice, it cannot be demonstrated that his has been detrimental to public schools. In fact, statistics may show that public schools prosper where there are also alternative opportunities for families, parents, and students.

There is an oft-used expression, “It takes a village to raise a child.”  We all have a vested interest that all the children of the commonwealth learn and prosper. I will vote for Constitutional Amendment #2 next month because I want to be contributor to that village that supports all God’s children. I invite you to join me and vote Yes on Amendment #2.

Yours in Christ,

Bishop William F. Medley

Diocese of Owensboro

Editor’s note: Statistics and resources pertaining to Amendment #2 may be accessed at owensborodiocese.org/vote-yes-on-amendment-2.

Most Reverend William F. Medley
Diocese of Owensboro

Originally printed in the October 2024 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.