Learn about the bills in Frankfort that could dramatically reshape JCPS

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky lawmakers are moving fast on sweeping changes to education this legislative session, filing dozens of bills that touch everything from school governance and finances to curriculum, teacher pay and student discipline.

Several of those proposals could directly reshape Jefferson County Public Schools, the state’s largest district.

Here’s a look at some of the key bills being proposed in Frankfort.

Senate bills affecting JCPS

SB 1: Shifting authority inside JCPS

Senate Bill 1 is specific to Jefferson County Public Schools and would "repeal and reenact KRS 160.370, relating to duties of superintendents and local boards of education."

The bill rewrites how authority is divided between the superintendent and the school board. It says "A local board of education shall: Delegate authority to the superintendent over the district's day-to-day operations and implementation of the board-approved strategic plan..."

SB 2: Administrator pay tied to teacher raises

SB 2 would change how school leaders are paid. The bill states that a district "shall not provide the superintendent or any administrator a percentage pay increase greater than the average percentage pay increase provided to classroom teachers within the district."

The proposal ties eligibility for state funding to that requirement.

SB 3: Financial transparency requirements

SB 3 would overhaul how districts report spending. The bill requires districts to "maintain a district financial disclosure website." It would require school districts to post monthly financial reports, vendor payments, credit card statements, and superintendent compensation online in one centralized location on their websites.

SB 26: Limits on DEI programs

SB 26 would place broad restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in schools.

The bill would "prohibit… expending any resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion" and also "prohibit providing differential treatment or benefits on the basis of an individual’s religion, race, sex, color, or national origin."

SB 61: Expanding KEES scholarships

SB 61 increases the amount of Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) money students can earn by adjusting base and supplemental award amounts tied to academic achievement. For example a 4.0 would earn students $935 rather than $500.

SB 71: Financial training for school boards

SB 71 would require school board members to complete "six hours of in-service financial training every two (2) years."

SB 111: Recess requirements

SB 111 would require schools to build recess into the school day. The bill defines recess and requires "30 minutes of recess for students in kindergarten through grade 5" and "15 to 30 minutes of recess per instructional day for students in grades 6 through 12."

The bill also allows "appropriate supervised physical exercise to be used as a student discipline tool."

SB 114: Restructuring the JCPS board

SB 114 targets large districts. The bill applies to a district with "an end-of-year enrollment of 25,000 or more students."

It would expand the JCPS board from 7 members to 11 and require members to be "appointed by the chief executive officer of the county and confirmed by the legislative body of the county."

In Louisville that is the Mayor and Metro Council.

SB 120: Changing the Kentucky Board of Education

SB 120 would alter how the Kentucky Board of Education is selected, shifting away from appointments and toward elections for board members.

House bills affecting JCPS

HB 11: Splitting underperforming districts

House Bill 11 establishes a process to create new independent school districts from large or underperforming districts.

The bill would place the question of the creation of a new independent school district on the ballot and lays out how assets, liabilities and authority would be divided.

HB 17 and HB 19: Teacher pay

HB 17 and HB 19 both address compensation for school district employees. HB 17 would "Direct local school districts to provide a one-time payment of $2,000 to certified employees, excluding superintendents, in each year of the 2026-2028 biennium, and a one-time payment of $1,000 to classified employees in each year of the 2026-2028 biennium." HB 19 would "preclude the Kentucky Board of Education from approving the working budget or salary schedule of a local board of education unless it incorporates a salary increase for certified and classified staff consistent with the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers."

HB 52: Curriculum and life skills

HB 52 would require instruction on what the bill defines as the “Success Sequence” to 7th and 10th graders. It says that means "the following series of evidence-based sequential milestones shown to help young adults achieve (a)Obtaining at least a high school diploma and acquiring additional training 3 in preparation for entering the workforce; (b) Securing full-time employment; and (c) Waiting until marriage to begin having children."

District response

JCPS told WDRB the district is reviewing the legislation and does not have comment at this time.

Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood addressed his relationship with lawmakers after a January school board meeting.

“They want what’s best for students. We want what’s best for students, so we are on the same platform,” Yearwood said.

Since 2015, Jefferson County Public Schools has spent more than $660,000 in taxpayer money to influence decisions in Frankfort, according to state records.

What’s next

For now, these bills are just proposals — none have been approved yet.

WDRB will continue tracking which measures advance and how they could impact students, families and taxpayers.

Development plans call for Louisville's Mid City Mall to be demolished

Learn about the bills in Frankfort that could dramatically reshape JCPS

Learn about the bills in Frankfort that could dramatically reshape JCPS

Learn about the bills in Frankfort that could dramatically reshape JCPS