Kentucky Senate president accuses JCPS of stockpiling millions of taxpayer dollars

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The president of the Kentucky Senate grilled Jefferson County Public Schools in a floor speech this week.

Sen. Robert Stivers, R-District 25, accused the state's largest school district of stockpiling away $340 million in extra cash while complaining it's not getting enough from the state.

"You know, if I'm from Jefferson County, either a teacher or a parent or a student, who got left on the side of the road, it would intrigue me to know that they have $340 million in an account," Stivers said in a speech on the Senate floor, questioning why the district has so much extra money. "I ask the press, ask the people who run JCPS why this is?"

So WDRB News asked the district several questions on Thursday. In a statement, the district said:

"This is not the rainy day fund. The report cited by Sen. Stivers reflects a school district's cash on hand at a single point in time. Because of the way revenue comes into JCPS, and most other school districts, in an uneven manner throughout the year, our cash on hand fluctuates. JCPS also has hundreds of vacancies, including more than 300 teaching positions, which are budgeted but the money is unspent. Also, in the past four years, JCPS and most other school districts, have been spending federal ESSER funds (that is COVID relief money) on things like transportation and technology, freeing up district funds and creating more cash on hand."

Louisville's public school system is required to have a "rainy day fund." But Stivers claimed that should equate to about $40-$50 million, calling an excess of $340 million "unfathomable."

When asked why the district hasn't used the money to build new schools, JCPS said "We are. JCPS has opened four new schools in the past two years with plans to start construction on two more this year. There are plans to build 20 new schools in the next 10 years."

When asked why the district hasn't had better transportation, JCPS said, "The problem is simple math, not enough drivers to cover the number of bus routes required to get all students who want transportation to school on time. Not how much bus drivers are paid."

The relationship between JCPS and some lawmakers seems to grow ever more tense. A bill supported by state Republicans calls for the creation of a taskforce to examine breaking up the district.

"Somebody needs to ask them the tough questions other than us, because it doesn't seem but to fall on deaf ears of the people who participate and their children attend JCPS," said Stivers.

JCPS raised property taxes by seven cents in 2020. It was challenged, but upheld by the Kentucky Supreme Court. The higher rate brings in more than $50 million in additional money each year for the district.

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