Story Highlights

  • JCPS is facing a $188 million budget deficit as leaders work to finalize a tentative budget by late May
  • Board members discussed a possible tax referendum to increase revenue, but no timeline or amount has been set
  • District leaders say it could take several years to recover financially, with cuts and restructuring ongoing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Jefferson County Board of Education is considering a possible tax referendum as the district works to address the major budget deficit.

The idea was discussed during a board meeting Tuesday, where the board is in the middle stages of the budgeting process. A tentative budget is expected to be presented in late May.

JCPS is currently facing a deficit of $188 million, with an initial goal of cutting $132 million. The possibility of the referendum is aimed to help increase revenue, though no timeline or specific amount was proposed.

The discussion comes as the district works to close the massive gap through a combination of cuts and restructuring. JCPS already fell short of some cost-saving goals, leaving the district searching for additional ways to balance the budget.

Superintendent Brian Yearwood said it could take several years for the district to fully recover financially.

The entire school board is also up for reelection come November, meaning future decisions could ultimately be made by a new group of members.

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