LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — State reports show more Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) are in the bottom 5% statewide in overall performance.
Part of Kentucky’s annual School Report Card, released Wednesday, shows which schools fall under the Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) classification.
Schools classified under CSI are in the bottom 5%. In 2022, the number of JCPS CSI schools was 34; this year, it has risen to 41.
Tondia Phillips has several grandchildren who attend JCPS schools. She said the increase in schools on that list is concerning.
"I want to know why the schools are going down like they're going with these kids," Phillips said. "Is it the teachers, is it the kids, or is it the parents? What's going on? What's making it go down?"
The Kentucky Department of Education works to help CSI schools in several ways, including:
- Mentoring and providing support to school leadership
- Developing and supporting teaching staff
- Assisting with standards, curriculum, instruction, and assessment alignment
- Delivering timely, job-embedded professional learning
- Supporting the continuous improvement process through planning
- Resolving issues with compliance and reporting
- CSI schools are also eligible for federal School Improvement Funds.
"Every time there’s a CSI, ATSI, or TSI school named, we offer services, and it’s part of what we do to make sure those districts and schools improve," said Kentucky Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher.
These numbers used to be reported every three years, which is why a report had not been released since 2022. But because of House Bill 298, KDE now has to identify CSI schools every year.
As far as improvements go for JCPS, Phillips said it may start with the students.
"We have to start talking with the children, because they can tell you more than anyone else — they’re in there, they’re involved," Phillips said.
CSI schools can get off the list if the school no longer meets the criteria for identification and shows progress on its overall score.
More JCPS Coverage:
JCPS sees gains in science, math, and graduation rates despite ongoing challenges
