JCPS closed Wednesday for fifth 'sick out' in two weeks

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – For the fifth time in less than two weeks, Jefferson County Public Schools canceled classes due to significant teacher shortages.

JCPS announced the decision to close Wednesday classes around 10 p.m. Tuesday, saying "approximately a third of teachers" would be absent.

Hundreds of JCPS teachers rallied at the Capitol on Tuesday, but the House sent one of the bills that has prompted the so-called “sick outs” at Kentucky’s largest school district to Gov. Matt Bevin’s desk for his signature or veto.

Senate Bill 250, which would expand the authority of JCPS superintendents over spending and personnel, passed on a 54-42 vote Tuesday.

Two others appear on far shakier ground with three days left in this year’s session. Key supporters of a scholarship tax credit bill, which educators fear could be inserted into a tax bill being negotiated by lawmakers, indicated Tuesday that the issue did not have enough support to pass the General Assembly this year.

The sponsor of another bill that would alter how trustees on the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System board are picked for elections has filed a floor amendment that would gut the legislation and instead direct lawmakers to study the matter between the end of this year’s session and the beginning of next year’s.

There are eight Bus Stop Café sites and eleven elementary schools across the district offering free lunches. Below is a list for each for Wednesday:

Bus Stop Cafe routes