Here's how JCPS plans to build new schools despite a $188 million budget deficit

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Jefferson County Public Schools is proposing millions of dollars in new construction and renovation projects over the next several years as the district faces a projected $188 million budget deficit.

District leaders revealed a draft district facilities plan Monday outlining which schools they want to build, rebuild or renovate during the next roughly four-year cycle. The district’s Facilities Local Planning Committee met for an orientation.

Construction projects announced since the district's massive budget deficit have raised a central question from taxpayers: How can the district afford new buildings?

Chief Operations Officer Rob Fulk said the construction plans are funded differently than the operating budget.

"That’s a really reasonable question from a taxpayer," Fulk said. "When you build a school in Kentucky, there are two funds a district works off of."

The deficit comes from the district’s general fund, which pays for day-to-day operations such as salaries and transportation. Construction projects are paid through the capital fund, a separate account legally restricted to building projects.

Capital funds cannot be used to supplement the general fund.

Under the draft plan, JCPS is proposing:

A more than $28 million elementary school in southern Jefferson County on land that has yet to be purchased.

Full rebuilds of Cochran, Goldsmith and Wilt elementary schools, Westport Middle School and Olmstead Academy South, estimated to total more than $194 million.

Renovations at dozens of other schools

If approved, construction would begin within the next four years.

The proposal also raises another issue: Why would the district close schools such as Zachary Taylor and King elementaries while planning new buildings?

Fulk said enrollment patterns are a factor.

"If a school is under-enrolled, it’s going to cost more to operate," he said.

Most JCPS buildings were constructed between the 1950s and 1970s, nearly 100 schools primarily near the city center. The district said it currently has about 17,000 empty seats, but not in the areas where students now live, as population growth has shifted toward southern and eastern Jefferson County.

"We have heard time immemorial we are busing kids too far," Fulk said. "Obviously, we want a neighborhood school that makes sense where it’s at, where we can lower transportation costs."

The facilities plan is still a draft and could change. Fulk said he expects to present it to the school board for a vote in June or July.

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