LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville NAACP chapter is calling for the resignation or dismissal of Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Marty Pollio.
The NAACP said minority students are suffering because of a crisis in district leadership.
"If it's inequitable, why are you rushing to vote for it, an inequitable plan that will impact our community and our kids," asked Raymond Burse, first vice president of the Louisville NAACP.
Jefferson County Board of Education Board Chair Corrie Shull, and others, have questioned the district's transportation options and whether they are equitable for students.
"The district needs a change in leadership, therefore, the Louisville branch NAACP is calling for the resignation or dismissal of Superintendent Marty Pollio," said Raoul Cunningham.
JCPS said its Transportation Team evaluated 16 different options.
The district ran the options through REAP, which is the Racial Equity Analysis Protocol. The district uses REAP to make decisions that impact students.
The REAP transportation option reports, obtained by WDRB News, show some of the options didn't pass the analysis. But, JCPS said the first option, offering no transportation to magnet schools, did pass. That's even with the report saying 74% of students who ride the bus are students of color.
The second transportation option, providing transportation to magnet students who are economically disadvantaged. The REAP report said there is a higher percentage of Black students who would qualify for transportation, compared to white students.
JCPS said using REAP, the district could also move forward with that plan, but some are still questioning it.
"What we're looking for is a school district with school leadership that pushes the education of all kids, and particularly Black, brown, and poor kids at the forefront," Burse said.
JCPS said its leadership did not call for the special meeting being held Wednesday evening to discuss transportation options, and thought the meeting would be held next Tuesday, April 16. Three board members called for the meeting on Tuesday.
During the special called meeting Wednesday evening, a possible decision could be made on a transportation plan for the 2024-25 school year.
To read more about Wednesday's meeting, click here.
JCPS has not yet responded to a request for comment about calls for Pollio's resignation or dismissal.
More JCPS Transportation Coverage:
- JCPS board of education to vote on new transportation plan during special meeting Wednesday
- JCPS board of education tables vote on new transportation plan as it discusses audit results
- New audit places blame on JCPS, AlphaRoute for transportation disaster on first day of school
- A year in review of JCPS transportation system, busing issues in Louisville
- JCPS makes official recommendation on transportation plan ahead of vote next week
- JCPS committee reviewing all transportation options, including one not previously discussed in-depth
- Kentucky House committee passes resolution that would create task force to 'monitor' JCPS
- JCPS board members weigh in on transportation options up for consideration
- JCPS considers solutions for transportation and dealing with behavior issues on buses
- JCPS superintendent Pollio against splitting district, discusses challenges and highlights at 'State of the District'
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