During the first week of December, Kentucky Youth Advocates and the Kentucky Humanities Council hosted Cara Fitzpatrick, author of “The Death of Public School: How Conservatives Won the War Over Education in America,” for a two-day venture starting with an author forum on Monday night followed by a series of conversations with local Louisville leaders on Tuesday.

A Forum on School Choice – In spirit of “Deliberative Democracy”

On Monday night, a Forum on School Choice was hosted at the UL Alumni Center. The event included an interview between Bill Goodman, Executive Director of the Kentucky Humanities Council and Author Cara Fitzpatrick. The interview was followed by a panel discussion moderated by WHAS 11 Senior Reporter, Isaiah Kim-Martinez. 

The panel included the following:

  • Representative Tina Bojanowski of House District 32 (Part of Jefferson)
  • Senator Lindsey Tichenor of District 6 (Jefferson/Part, Oldham, and Trimble)
  • Andrew McNeil, President of KY Forum for Rights, Economics, & Education (KYFREE)
  • Corrie Shull, Chair of the Jefferson County Public Schools 
  • Jerry Stephenson, Minister of Midwest Church of Christ
  • Al Cornish, Retired from Norton Healthcare and currently CEO of Closing The Gap Consulting, LLC.

Following the panel included a reception, an opportunity to ask Cara Fitzpatrick follow-up questions, a chance to grab a signed copy of her book, as well as, to learn and hear more from panelists and attendees.

Check out news coverage of Monday nights forum by WDRB.

Check out podcast conversations:

Baird Breakfast Conversation 

On Tuesday morning, a vibrant breakfast discussion was hosted at the Baird Conference Center. Leadership from Louisville schools, non-profits, businesses, and foundations discussed further reflections from Monday night’s forum as well as implications for Kentucky based on historic trends and current events. 

A Step Forward in Educational Discourse

The dialogue around school choice, for years, has been characterized by a marked division. Proponents and opponents of the school choice proposition have been engaging in separate conversations, each group in its own “echo chamber.” Such segregation of viewpoints is what the Kettering Foundation identifies as a key challenge in the concept of “deliberative democracy.” This concept emphasizes the vital need for citizens to collaboratively navigate their differences to shape a collective future.

As we look ahead to the 2024 Regular Session, may we aspire to continue to step forward together through tough conversations and work to create an educational future that serves all Kentuckians.