Veto overrides make two JCPS bills law, reshaping board and leadership

LOUISIVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky lawmakers overrode vetoes on two Senate bills that will reshape Jefferson County Public Schools' board and leadership.

Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed Senate Bill 1 and Senate Bill 4 Monday, but both bills were overridden in the Senate and House of Representatives during Tuesday's sessions.

Part of SB 1 will shift more authority to JCPS superintendent Brian Yearwood by requiring a two-thirds vote of the board to override decisions instead of a simple majority.

In his veto message, Beshear said the bill violates a 2022 ruling that stated JCPS could not be treated differently than other districts in the state.

Under SB 4, all JCPS board seats will be up for election this November, regardless of when members were last elected.

The bill also reduces the board from seven members to five, which Beshear said would "diminish representation of voters," when he vetoed the bill.

Both bills received mixed reviews from board members and community organizations since their introduction.

April 15 marks the final day for lawmakers to override vetoes.