Kentucky Supreme Court strikes down charter schools law
The Hill
by Lexi Lonas CochranFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Kentucky Supreme Court has ruled that a law allowing public funding to flow to charter schools violates the state’s constitution, which restricts such funds to “common schools.” This decision effectively halts the expansion of charter schools in Kentucky, as these institutions are not classified as common schools under current statutes. The court’s ruling emphasizes that common schools are regulated by local authorities and funded directly by public dollars, while charter schools operate independently and are not subject to the same oversight.
The case hinges on interpretations of Kentucky’s education framework, which has historically prioritized traditional public schools over alternative models like charter schools. Currently, Kentucky has no operational charter schools, but advocates had pushed for their establishment as a way to introduce greater diversity and innovation into the state’s educational system. The court’s decision reaffirms the state’s commitment to maintaining control over public education through local school boards, while critics argue that this limits opportunities for reform.
This ruling carries significant political implications, particularly in debates over education policy and funding. Advocates of charter schools view the decision as a setback for educational reform, highlighting the challenges faced by non-traditional schooling models in states with strong ties to conventional public education systems. Meanwhile, supporters of the court’s decision argue that it safeguards the integrity of public education and prevents potential mismanagement of taxpayer funds. The outcome underscores the ongoing tension between traditional and alternative approaches to education, as well as the role of state constitutions in shaping access to public resources for schools.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/20/2026