LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Brian Yearwood called the board's decision to approve job cuts across the district "heartbreaking."
The Jefferson County Board of Education voted Friday in favor of central office reductions and a restructuring plan in as part of the district's plan to address what's projected to be a $188 million shortfall in the 2026-27 budget.
After the vote, Yearwood was asked if he would speak to the media, but did not respond and left the building through a back door.
For the first time since that meeting, WDRB asked him why during a meeting Wednesday.
"Friday was heartbreaking. Friday was very emotional. To make the decisions that we are making, they affect so many lives. It's heartbreaking and I don't wish that on any superintendent anywhere. It's tough," Yearwood responded. "It was very tough because of the lives that we are impacting, yes it was very tough."
Only two board members voted against the cuts and reorganization, James Craig and Taylor Everett. Five other board members voted in favor. No board members who attended the meeting Friday in person spoke to reporters afterward.
The plan, according to Chief Communications Officer Carolyn Callahan, means JCPS would have 69 fewer central office jobs next year. Callahan also confirmed the number includes 74 vacant positions eliminated.
She said the district came to that number because 323 central office roles are being eliminated and 254 are being created. It is unclear how the district came to those numbers as they are different from what was presented Tuesday. WDRB is working to learn why.
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