New JCPS superintendent visits school, talks budget and bus readiness

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools' new superintendent got a firsthand look at students and staff in action Monday as he visited a school for the first time in his new role.

Dr. Brian Yearwood toured Auburndale Elementary School to observe the district's Summer Success League program. The visit marked his first official school stop since taking over last month for Marty Pollio, who retired after leading the district since 2017.

Yearwood spoke with students and staff during the tour, calling the energy he witnessed "second to none."

"Let's call it what it is — we've seen the test scores and we've seen certain things," Yearwood said. "We will get there and we will overcome, but the energy that I saw — second to none."

With the 2025-26 school year set to begin Aug. 7, Yearwood said he plans to be visible in schools and enthusiastic about connecting with teachers and students.

"I will be out at schools, high-fiving, ready to go with teachers," he said. "It is an exciting time, and, for me, it is not about butterflies. It is about 'OK, Dr. Yearwood, calm down. They're here.' That is what I look forward to."

The new superintendent also addressed several key issues facing the district, including transportation, spending cuts and the district's new cell phone policy. He said JCPS is fully staffed with the number of bus drivers needed to begin the school year smoothly, though the district continues to recruit additional drivers.

"We are poised to have a great start of school," he said.

While JCPS is facing a $100 million budget reduction, Yearwood stressed that the quality of education will not suffer.

"It is somewhat of a daunting time because of funding and possible funding cuts that may be coming, but we have to figure this out, because 98,000 students are relying on us to do that," Yearwood said. "We have thousands of parents that are trusting that we will be able to figure it out in real time so that their child, their precious child, can have quality experience and education in all schools."

"The quality of a child's education is non-negotiable," he said, though he didn't specify where cost-cutting measures might be made.

Yearwood also expressed confidence in the district's new cellphone policy and emphasized the importance of parental involvement and communication.

The first day of school for JCPS students is Thursday, Aug. 7.

Incoming JCPS superintendent addresses busing, test scores, salary criticism

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