Beshear vetoes bill that would have reshaped JCPS board

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed a bill that would have dramatically reshaped the Jefferson County Board of Education.

In his April 13 veto of Senate Bill 4, Beshear said the legislation violates the state's constitution by attempting to control the boards of Louisville and Lexington's school districts.

The bill would have cut the number of members for the board that oversees Jefferson County Public Schools from seven to five, which Beshear said would "diminish representation of voters." Additionally, district boundaries would be redrawn.

It would also prohibit people from serving on those boards if they work at any Kentucky school and work more than 100 days a year. Beshear said because teachers and school employees work more than 100 days a year, "this would effectively keep them from serving on these boards of education."

Beshear said any school board reorganization in Kentucky should be made locally, and not by state lawmakers.

On Tuesday, the general assembly entered the veto override period. With Republican majorities in the House and the Senate, the governor's veto could be overridden.

If lawmakers override the veto and it becomes law without the governor's signature, all JCBE seats will be up for election this November — regardless of when members were last elected.