LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The state task force reviewing Jefferson County Public Schools is recommending to continue working through 2025.

The Efficient and Effective School Governance Task Force was created during the 2024 legislative session and called for a working group to review the administrative functions and learning outcomes of school districts that have more than 75,000 students. That student enrollment threshold only qualifies JCPS in Kentucky.

The task force is co-chaired by Sen. Mike Nemes (R-Shepherdsville) and Rep. Kim Banta (R-Ft. Mitchell).

In a letter sent to the Senate President, Speaker of the House, and Legislative Research Commission, the co-chairs pointed to needing more information to develop solid recommendations that will improve operations within JCPS, as well as JCPS' selection of a new superintendent, and potential changes to education at the federal level as reasons to continue its work. 

"Jefferson County Public Schools have gone through a lot of audits and reviews and this, and that. We want to make recommendations that stick for the long term, not just things you all need to look into this," Sen. Nemes told WDRB on Tuesday.

The task force met a total of 10 times, eight times in Frankfort and twice in Louisville. 

In that time, testimony was provided by JCPS administrators, JCTA, and other state departments. The task force also heard feedback from JCPS community members during its two meetings in Louisville. 

"Some of the good things we see, Jefferson County is trying, and they're doing a lot of good things, but we need to make it system wide, and everybody involved," Nemes said. "People didn't come forth to actually talk about discipline and that's something that surprised me, because I think that's the forefront of what we need to address and take care of in public schools."

The Task Force's original goal was to bring forth a recommendation for the General Assembly to consider in 2024. Since it is requesting an extension to continue discussions through 2025, the co-chairs letter included several areas it would like to research in 2025, including reorganization of the board with expanded membership and streamline or remove barriers to hire education professionals. 

In addition to the co-chairs, the task force is made up of several legislators, as well as five community members. 

Related Stories:

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.