LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — New Kentucky laws are changing how Jefferson County Public Schools operates, from superintendent authority and employee misconduct to classroom instruction and dual-credit funding.
JCPS board members received an update Tuesday on how the laws will affect district policies.
"I respect the work of the General Assembly and we are going to abide by the statutes that they have," said JCPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood.
One of the biggest changes comes from Senate Bill 1, which gives the superintendent more authority over the district’s day-to-day operations. The law also would require a two-thirds board vote to overturn certain superintendent decisions.
Those parts of the law are currently blocked while JCPS challenges SB 1 in court. The district has amended 174 board policies and administrative procedures related to the law.
Other changes affect how JCPS handles employee misconduct.
House Bill 253 prohibits nondisclosure agreements involving staff misconduct, making it easier for districts to share information about misconduct with potential employers.
"In the past you’ve seen sometimes someone will quietly resign if we don't say anything about it," said Chuck Truesdell, JCPS executive director of government and community relations. "That is over now."
The law also prohibits a person found to have engaged in abusive conduct from being hired by another school district.
The changes also reach the classroom.
House Bill 253 will prohibit the three-cueing method of literacy instruction by the 2029-30 school year and requires additional science of reading training for K-5 teachers.
Senate Bill 59 also prohibits schools from using district resources to advocate for public questions, including tax levies. Violations can result in a $500 fine.
School board elections could also look different. House Bill 139 allows political parties to endorse candidates and spend money in nonpartisan races, including school board elections.
"You or your opponents may be endorsed by official parties, which has not been the case in previous bills," said Truesdell.
JCPS also will make changes to its rules governing communications between employees and students. The new law creates exemptions for certain messages, including communications involving parents, multiple staff members, some educational software and commercial services.
The changes also affect students taking college classes while still in high school.
Under the state's new budget, dual-credit scholarships will cover one general education course per year for juniors and seniors instead of two.
"We have students that take multiple dual credit classes, so we are looking at ways around that," said Dr. Brian Yearwood.
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