JCPS responds to KDE's settlement proposal in effort to avoid state takeover

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- JCPS has sent its response to the Kentucky Department of Education's settlement proposal to avoid a takeover of the school district.

“After more than 3 weeks, JCPS responded to the Kentucky Department of Education’s settlement offer on Friday," KDE said in a statement Monday night. "The Department responded on the same day and is yet to hear back. The (department) continues to prepare for the hearing, which begins on September 10.”

State officials offered the settlement in an attempt to avoid a 12-day hearing, spread over two months, and offered the district a settlement. But one of the main items targeted is the student assignment plan. It's a divisive issue in the community, but something the district doesn't want to give up.

"I would rather have us do it locally, as a community, than have someone else do it for us," JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio said during a community forum last week. "So we are committed to doing that and tackling that, but without a doubt, it's one of the most difficult issues we have to face."

KDE Interim Commissioner Wayne Lewis targeted JCPS for a takeover after the findings of a 14-month audit revealed problems with safety, oversight and student achievement.

Oversight over several areas, including student assignment, would give Lewis veto authority over decisions made in those areas. The settlement offer would give the state greater oversight in district operations than in a status of state assistance while falling "far short" of the state's authority in a takeover, Lewis said.

JCPS board member Chris Brady responded to the above KDE statement Monday night: