LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools has paid parents more than $2 million in stipends this school year for driving their children to school, according to data obtained in an open records request.

The payments, distributed in October, cover transportation costs for about 10,800 students who attended school in August and September. JCPS families were eligible for $5 or $10 per day, with the higher amount available to students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Records show the total amount JCPS paid in October is $2,054,715. That's an average check of $190.25 per student. 

Approximately 17,000 students were eligible for the stipends after the district cut transportation for many magnet and traditional schools and those who attend Academies of Louisville. Families at 83 JCPS schools received payments, with the top five schools for stipends including:

  1. Manual High School: 1,033 students, $199,435
  2. Butler Traditional High School: 958 students, $167,495
  3. Louisville Male High School: 752 students, $171,585
  4. Jefferson County Traditional Middle School: 614 students, $124,890
  5. Noe Middle School: 594 students, $102,210

The program builds on a similar initiative started last year for early childhood families, which cost the district nearly $300,000. The district says all stipend funds come from the JCPS general fund.

Efforts to restore bus routes underway

Early childhood parents were the first started to receive the stipends in the last school year. Records show JCPS paid nearly $300,000 to those parents.

JCPS is inching closer to restoring some transportation services. The district needs six more bus drivers to resume routes for select schools, including Male, Manual and Butler for students on free or reduced lunch, all students at Johnson Traditional Middle School, and students at Coleridge Taylor and Young elementary schools.

To address a driver shortage, JCPS struck a deal with the Transit Authority of River City, allowing 70 drivers at risk of layoffs to transition to JCPS. However, TARC drivers require an additional certification specific to school buses in Kentucky. This includes a written exam on topics not covered by a Commercial Driver's License.

The transition process has been slower than expected. JCPS initially projected needing 68 certified TARC drivers to restore routes, but even after reaching that benchmark, several weeks will be needed to survey families about their transportation needs. Superintendent Marty Pollio said the earliest routes could resume is early 2025.

Future Payments Scheduled

Until bus service is restored, JCPS plans to continue stipend payments, which are tied to student attendance through the district's Infinite Campus system. Additional payouts are scheduled for December, March, and June, providing ongoing financial relief for parents navigating the district's transportation challenges.

JCPS Bus (Investigates)

Jefferson County Public Schools Bus

JCPS Transportation Coverage:

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