LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky's Senate president has begun making appointments to the task force created to oversee Jefferson County Public Schools.
Sen. Robert Stivers, R-Senate President, appointed Republican Sen. Mike Nemes, who represents the state's 38th District — which covers Bullitt County and part of Jefferson County, and Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, a Republican who represents the state's Sixth District — which includes part of Jefferson County, Oldham and Trimble counties.
The task force was created this legislative session. In April, lawmakers overrode Gov. Andy Beshear's veto of the bill creating a task force to investigate JCPS and look into a potential split of the district.
In his veto message, Beshear called the measure unconstitutional and the General Assembly's latest attempt to divide the district. The governor said it should be a local decision by Jefferson County citizens, not a decision made by legislators who don't live in Jefferson County.Â
While supporters of the bill have said JCPS as it is now has been a failure, opponents of the bill — including JCPS leadership — said splitting the district would have disastrous results, and the district should be left to local control.
The bill was targeted toward Kentucky school districts with enrollment exceeding 75,000 students, which is only JCPS — the largest district in the state.
The task force will audit JCPS and review every aspect, from governance to finances.
First introduced Feb. 12Â with support from the state's Republican lawmakers, the resolution calls for a review of JCPS's performance and a look at how other states have created new school districts.
The task force would be directed to review 17 different areas, including funding, district boundaries, personnel, athletics, racial makeup and more.
The resolution never directly named JCPS, but opponents said it's a clear attack on Kentucky's largest district and would affect Black and brown students the most.
JCPS said it looks forward to sharing the exceptional teaching and learning in its classrooms, and hopes the task force work will be data-driven and research-based.Â
Related Stories:Â
- Kentucky lawmakers override Beshear's veto of bill creating task force to monitor JCPS
- Kentucky Gov. Beshear vetoes bill aimed at breaking up Jefferson County Public Schools
- Kentucky House committee passes resolution that would create task force to 'monitor' JCPS
- Kentucky lawmakers pass resolution to establish task force for JCPS
- Proposed bill would create task force to review, consider splitting up JCPS
- JCPS superintendent Pollio against splitting district, discusses challenges and highlights at 'State of the District'
- Kentucky Senate president accuses JCPS of stockpiling millions of taxpayer dollars
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