'Difficult decisions' | Dr. Pollio says transportation issues could continue 2 more years without changes | Local News

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools transportation headaches may still be a problem for two more years unless changes happen according to JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio.

Pollio made those remarks during the JCPS Board meeting Tuesday night as the deadline approaches for parents to decide where to send their kids to school next school year. The school choice application window opens in two weeks.

Board members received updates on school choice and a new magnet program starting next year. According to data from JCPS, an overwhelming number of students in the school choice zone are choosing to stay close to home. However, Pollio said since the old assignment plan is also still in effect for the next two years, transportation problems could continue.

"For the next two years, because of that, we will have an increase in routes. After that second year, we will see a steady decline in routes," Pollio said. "So short-term, yes, it is making the situation more difficult. Long-term, we will see a drop once we minimize and eliminate the old student assignment plan, so to speak, one that was before our 2021 vote."

He made those remarks after Board Member Linda Duncan asked how the addition of a STEM-focused magnet program at Western High School will impact the bus situation.

"If you do make a new magnet that attracts kids from all over the city, you (Duncan) are correct, it makes it much more difficult," Pollio said.

Pollio said hiring drivers will continue to be an issue, so they're examining what adjustments can be made.

"So we're gonna have to make difficult decisions moving forward about how and who we transport, there's just no doubt about it, and that's what most districts do. There are very few districts in America who transport every child to everywhere they want to go," Pollio said. "It is a great service to provide to this community, but it's just not something that's realistic. So right now, we're exploring options about what to do. What we really don't want to do is to make difficult decisions in the middle of the year, to force families to find transportation in the middle of the year. But you know, it's definitely going to come as we get to the end of the year."

Elizabeth Foushee, a bus driver who spoke to WDRB News after the board meeting, said she's on the road nearly 10 hours a day. She said a major reason many of her colleagues are worn out is the lack of student discipline spilling out on the buses.

"We're exhausted, and we're not respected," Foushee said. "Fights, fights are big. Not listening, not caring. Derivers not feeling safe. Drivers don't feel safe."

One of the issues she brought up was the reporting process. She feels that kids are not being held accountable for their actions.

A JCPS spokesperson said the district is listening, and they are making improvements to the process.

Part of an email from the district to WDRB News reads, "JCPS has looked into our bus referral process and we are in the process of creating an online bus referral system to ensure increased transparency. When the online system is operational, bus drivers will enter their referrals online and referrals will go directly to school administrators and compound coordinators. This will allow drivers to directly communicate concerns with schools and see the administrative response to those referrals."