LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The state task force reviewing Jefferson County Public Schools met in Louisville for a second time.

The state's Efficient and Effective School Governance Task Force is tasked with reviewing JCPS from top to bottom.

On Tuesday evening, it met at Male High School and allowed for public comment.

The task force once again prepared two questions for the public to answer:

  • How would you like to see the district's academic offerings, educational capabilities, and operations improved?
  • How have these factors affected the enrollment decisions for your child?

Tuesday, the public's ideas ranged from increasing funding and support for teachers and staff, expand the school board, and keep JCPS as one district.

Sen. Mike Nemes (R-Shepherdsville) said the idea the task force will split JCPS, is a misconception.

"I know a lot is being talked about splitting the school system that is not the intent of this, or not my intent," said Sen. Mike Nemes (R-Shepherdsville).

Many reman skeptical of the intentions behind the task force, and made a point to address it during public comment.

"Splitting the district would have far reaching implications including equity and access of resource allocations," said Jamia Watson, a student at Male High School.

Other ideas included asking the task force members part of the general assembly to better fund social services in Louisville, like affordable housing, so JCPS students could have more stability.

A JCPS teacher spoke about better support for teachers and staff inside schools.

"When you put stress on the teachers, our teachers pay a huge price. Our kids pay the biggest price," said a teacher at Stuart Academy.

Parents suggested the task force review student discipline polices and effectiveness of suspensions.

A few community members also suggested the school board expand beyond seven members.

"We have 26 Metro Council members, but only seven board members and they (Metro Council) have a bigger budget," said one person.

"The needs of our students are too diverse to rely on such a small governing body," added another parent.

The task force's original goal was to bring legislation recommendations before the 2025 session. At it's last meeting in Louisville, co-chair Sen. Nemes said it may need more time.

Sen. Gerald Neal (D-Louisville) raised concern about those outside of Jefferson County, including members of the General Assembly, having a say in how its school district operates. He hopes despite this, there will be a positive outcome from the task force's work.

"I have a little cynicism on one side, but again, I'm an optimist and dealing with a lot of good people and let's, we'll try to make a good outcome here," Sen. Neal said.

The Task Force will reconvene Sept. 16 in Frankfort, and a livestream will be available for those unable to attend in-person.

The panel is a direct result of House Concurrent Resolution 81, which the Kentucky General Assembly adopted during the 2024 legislative session. Sponsored by Rep. Ken Fleming, R-Louisville, the measure called for a working group to review the administrative functions and learning outcomes of school districts that have more than 75,000 students, which only applies to JCPS. 

Citizen members were chosen through a public application process announced in June. Fern Creek High School Principal Rebecca Nicolas and Iroquois teacher and treasurer for Jefferson County Teachers Association George Nichols are on the task force.

Angela Masden-Wilson and Brittany Abdelahad will serve as resident-parent members. Jody Wurtenberger will serve as the business member.

The Task Force has met two other times, where Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio has testified before the committee and answered questions.

In previous meetings, JCPS has provided an overview of the district, makeup of the administration and board of education as well as its budget.

It has also discussed chronic absenteeism in the district, a growing number of multilingual learners, test scores and recent changes in curriculum.

More JCPS Task Force Coverage:

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.