POLITICS

Kentucky Court Blocks Public Funding For Charter Schools

PUBLISHED Feb 19, 2026, 4:22 PM ET

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Kentucky Court Blocks Public Funding For Charter Schools

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 8

Center 87%

Right 13%

Sources: 8

Louisville, Ky. The Kentucky Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously ruled that a 2022 law establishing public funding for charter schools is unconstitutional, reaffirming that state education funds are reserved for common public schools. The ruling upholds a lower-court decision and follows a 2024 voter rejection of a constitutional amendment to allow such funding. Justice Michelle M. Keller wrote the opinion. Lawmakers filed new proposals the same day seeking federal school-choice tax credits. Supporters of charters said the decision limits school options; opponents said it protects public-school funding. Education groups and parents reacted. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2022: Kentucky legislature passed House Bill 9 to authorize public funding for charter schools.
2023: A lower court struck down HB9 after legal challenges.
2024: Kentucky voters rejected a constitutional amendment to permit diversion of public education funds.
19 February 2026: Kentucky Supreme Court unanimously ruled HB9 unconstitutional, authored by Justice Michelle M. Keller.
19 February 2026: House Republicans filed House Bill 1 proposing a federal school-choice tax-credit program.

News Intelligence

This ruling impacts your tax dollars and school choices. If you're a Kentucky parent, it means no public funds for charter schools. If you're a taxpayer, it ensures your money stays with traditional public schools. Keep an eye on new proposals for federal school-choice tax credits.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7

Who Benefited

Supporters of traditional public schools and statewide school funding advocates benefited because the ruling preserved state education funding for common schools.

Who Impacted

Proponents of publicly funded charter schools, charter operators, and parents seeking publicly funded alternatives suffered the loss of an immediate pathway to publicly funded charter expansion.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 88%, Right 13%

Who Benefited

Supporters of traditional public schools and statewide school funding advocates benefited because the ruling preserved state education funding for common schools.

Who Impacted

Proponents of publicly funded charter schools, charter operators, and parents seeking publicly funded alternatives suffered the loss of an immediate pathway to publicly funded charter expansion.