LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Brian Yearwood defended the district’s budget decisions and outlined future priorities Wednesday, as he faced questions about cuts, potential school closures and pay raises.
Yearwood initially pledged $44 million in central office reductions and the elimination of 300 jobs. Current numbers show over $31 million in savings and 86 fewer positions in central office.
When asked whether the district overpromised, Yearwood said no.
"I wouldn't say we over promised, like I said its a process," he said.
He said as the process unfolded, some cuts could not occur. You'll remember, there was widespread pushback on certain changes, like cutting mental health practitioners. Yearwood did not say exactly how close JCPS is to finishing cuts, but said more job reductions are still possible. He also said insolvency is off the table in 2027.
Yearwood spoke during a forum with the League of Women Voters, where attendees pressed him on the district’s financial challenges.
One attendee asked whether teachers and aides could see raises.
"I believe we need to pay our teachers more our aids more," Yearwood said.
He said raises could only come after the district gets its finances under control, noting 87% of JCPS’ $2 billion budget already goes to salaries.
Another question focused on whether the district will “right size” schools — which could include closures or boundary changes.
"We have to make sure we are right sizing our schools to have a responsible budget," Yearwood said.
He said those discussions are still preliminary and nothing is set in stone. The district has already decided to close King and Zachary Taylor elementary schools next year.
Yearwood also addressed academics, as most JCPS students are not on grade level in math and reading. He said the district plans to focus on students’ Lexile and Quantile levels — measurements of grade level in math and reading that can be monitored throughout the year — which he said is not something the district previously tracked across schools.
WDRB asked Yearwood if the district plans to hold students back who aren't on grade level. Most JCPS students aren't on track in math or reading.
"We've seen the research on what happens when you hold a child back the likelihood of dropping out is there," Yearwood said.
Yearwood said retention could happen in extenuating circumstances.
Another attendee asked whether the district plans to bring back the "Every 1 Reads" program, which at its peak in the 2010s had about 10,000 volunteers reading with students.
"100 percent that is a dream of mine to achieve that again," Yearwood said.
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