School board plans to pause closure, consolidation of several JCPS schools

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Jefferson County Board of Education plans to hit the brakes on a plan to close or consolidate some schools to address a multimillion-dollar budget deficit after hearing feedback from the community.

Jefferson County Public Schools held three public forums this week for parents, teachers and students to voice their opinions.

"We have heard the voices of our community; the concern, apprehension, and passionate engagement regarding the proposed changes to our JCPS schools," Board Chair Dr. Corrie Shull said in a statement Friday. "Your feedback, delivered through community forums, emails, and phone calls, has been heard loud and clear. We recognize that our schools are the heart of our communities, and any change must be approached with the utmost care, transparency, and a focus on the best interests of our students."

The board will make a formal recommendation to pause the plan during its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9. A district spokesperson said the board's leaders "emphasized that the motion to pause is not a vote against the need for necessary changes, but rather a step to ensure the process is as thorough as possible."

The district's proposal would close Liberty High School and Zachary Taylor Elementary School, combining King Elementary School into Maupin Elementary School and moving Waller-Williams Environmental and TAPP to new locations.

The board wants the district to take more time and resources to justify the recommendations, including how it would specifically affect academics, the district's budget and transportation for students.

It's also asking parents, guardians, teachers and residents to continue sharing their feedback and input during the pause.

"Your passion is essential, and your perspective is invaluable to this deliberative process," Shull said. "We are committed to an open, honest, and thoughtful review, and we look forward to working with the Superintendent's team and the entire community to reach a decision that secures a bright future for all our children."

The plan would help address the $188 million budget deficit the district faces. Superintendent Brian Yearwood said stabilizing the district will require tough choices.

This story may be updated.

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