A scathing state audit of Jefferson County Public Schools found the district has a fostered a "culture of fear" and lacked a cohesive financial plan for years, leading to the $188 million budget shortfall it now faces.

The cuts center around the central office, which is where JCPS leaders said the largest reductions would occur.

The district is now considering cutting mental health practitioner positions at schools outside the Exceptional Student Zone.

Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Brian Yearwood recommended closing one school, relocating another and merging two more as the district grapples with a $188 million budget shortfall.

Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Brian Yearwood said Tuesday the district is working to reduce its 2026-27 budget by $132 million, but staff and teacher salaries in schools won't be affected.

During Wednesday's board meeting, board members said they were blindsided by the severity of the district’s financial situation.