LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It's an election that could shift the balance in the debate over Jefferson County Public Schools' student assignment plan.
An unusually crowded field of candidates is going after a rather large number of open seats on the JCPS school board.
"One new face on the Board of Education, this time around, could actually change the face of the Board of Education for the future," said school board candidate Chris Fell in a news conference.
And so begins the contest to fill the three open seats on the school board. Seventh district candidate Chris Fell is challenging all the contenders to a mass debate.
"Let each and every voter within this county know where we stand on every issue."
It would certainly be a full debate stage. Seventeen people have filed to run: five in District 2, seven in District 4 and five in District 7.
So, what's going on here? Why all the interest in a virtually unpaid, often thankless position? One reason could be the big issues at stake. Front and center is the student assignment plan.
"It is just wonderful to see that many people taking a civic interest to run for the school board," said attorney Ted Gordon.
Gordon has challenged the school board's busing plans for years.
He says the makeup of the new board could swing the balance in the student assignment debate.
"So, what I want to hear from these nominees, and one of them is in my district, first of all, is how are we going to improve educational outcome," Gordon said. "For me, it's neighborhood schools because the other hasn't worked."
Outgoing board member Steve Imhoff, who supports the current plan, agrees there's a lot at stake.
"The three going out have always been in favor of diversity in our schools. And I really, truly believe whoever is elected will also continue to be in favor of diversity and will not vote for any major changes. I really feel that. But there's always a chance."
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