Local teachers are sending their message loud and clear. On Thurs. April 12, teachers and supporters of public education funding across Bullitt County gathered together at Roby Elementary to rally against the plans for the new state budget and tax bills.

Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin is currently making an effort to reform the state budget and create major cuts in funding for public schools. Teachers across Kentucky are voicing their opposition to Bevin’s proposals. To show opposition to Bevin’s actions a rally was organized and announced through the Bullitt County teachers’ Facebook page.

Bevin created a proposal that includes taking funding from public education and putting it towards charter schools to create a larger profit for the state. Charter schools normally receive government funding, but operate independent from state regulations. Many are for-profit schools or are managed by a for-profit company. The major difference between public and charter schools is that some charter schools bring in profit, and no public schools do.

State legislatures created different tax and budget reform bills that were neutral (meaning they don’t bring more profit into the state but also aren’t over-spending into debt). These were passed, but were then both vetoed by Bevin.

“I cannot support a proposal that ignores fiscal reality and continues to kick the can of financial responsibility down the road,” said Bevin. However, the vetoes can still be overridden with 51 votes in the House and 20 votes in the Senate. Legislatures have until midnight on Saturday to do so.

Teachers statewide have also been protesting other actions that Bevin has taken regarding pension plans for teachers. All of these things have lead to Bullitt County schools being shut-down on Friday, Apr. 20 due to anticipation that many teachers will take a personal day to fight for their beliefs and there will be a shortage of substitutes.

In reaction, many gathered in front of Roby Elementary on a sidewalk near highway 44 to be seen by passing cars. The participants made an effort to convey their message with home-made signs, t-shirts reading “I love public schools,” and stereos playing appropriately themed songs (Respect by Aretha Franklin, We’re Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister, etc.) Passing cars waved and honked horns in approval.

The goal of the event was to further inform the local citizens about the issue and express their opinions on the decisions affecting schools. “I think it’s a lot of misunderstanding about pensions. We really love our kids, and this money isn’t for us it’s for them. I hope this lets the community know that we really care about our kids,” said Audra Bridges, a teacher at Brooks Elementary School and Bullitt East alumni. The rally was successful with a large turnout and nearly 100 attending throughout the event.

This crowd didn’t consist only of teachers but also students and supporters of the cause, bringing together the Bullitt County community for the sake of their public education.