JCPS budget cuts: dozens of programs, contracts targeted for reduction

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Jefferson County Public Schools is detailing a new round of reductions as it works to close a $142 million budget gap, releasing a list to Jefferson County Teachers Association (JCTA) of dozens of programs and service contracts the district plans to eliminate or scale back.

The document shows 56 programs and contracts targeted for cuts totaling about $24 million, part of the district’s broader plan to balance its 2026-27 budget.

The information was released after the JCTA publicly requested transparency at a February school board meeting.

The district provided two breakdowns: projected savings from position cuts by department and a second list showing reductions to contracts and programs.

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The largest single item is a $5 million “building fund need reduction.” WDRB asked the district for clarification about what the reduction specifically includes and had not received a response.

The list also ends the district’s transportation agreement with the Transit Authority of River City, or TARC. For the past two school years, TARC drivers have helped operate JCPS buses, with about 25 drivers participating this school year.

Several student-facing programs are also affected.

JCPS is reducing funding by more than $2 million for the Summer Success League, a month-long reading and math program intended to prevent learning loss over summer break. More than 7,000 students participated in the program in 2025.

The district is also cutting nearly $2 million from the Evolve502 scholarship program, which allows graduates to pursue a tuition-free two-year college degree, certificate or workforce training.

Other reductions include nursing and custodial service contracts, bus tracking and routing software, volunteer background checks and multiple student partnership and enrichment programs.

The teachers union has also requested a school-by-school funding comparison under the proposed budget. WDRB asked when that information would be released and had not received a response.