LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The JCPS board is expected to vote in the coming days on a plan to build several new schools and renovate dozens more as the district deals with a major budget deficit.
Between 2026 and 2028, JCPS plans to build new school buildings for Carrithers Middle, Cochrane Elementary, Goldsmith Elementary, Olmsted Academy South, Westport Middle and Wilt Elementary.
The district also plans to build a new elementary school in south Louisville, though the exact location has not been chosen.
The new school projects total more than $260 million.
Major renovations planned
JCPS also plans major renovations at 61 other schools over the next two years, including Zachary Taylor Elementary, a school the board voted to close this year.
That building will be used as a swing space, a temporary school building for students while their own schools are under construction. Another 53 school renovation projects are planned after 2028.
You can view the full plan here:
The construction spending comes as the district crawls out of a $188 million deficit. District leaders said the answer comes down to where the money is legally allowed to go.
"Capital funds cannot go to the general fund," said Chief Operations Officer Rob Fulk.
The deficit is in the district's general fund, the money used for day-to-day costs like salaries, programs and operations. Construction money comes from the capital fund, money legally set aside for building and renovation projects.
District leaders said the construction work is overdue. About 80% of JCPS buildings are more than 50 years old. JCPS said years of needed repairs now add up to about $2.5 billion.
At the meeting Tuesday, June 9, Superintendent Brian Yearwood will recommend the board approve the draft facility plan.
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