LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Dozens of aging schools are crumbling in the Jefferson County School District (JCPS). That was the district's argument on why more funding is necessary to keep kids safe in the buildings where they learn. Spectrum News 1 is finding out why facility upgrades are so far behind. 

In a short drive from one of the county's oldest schools, The Academy at Shawnee, to the newest building at Norton Commons Elementary, the exterior differences are obvious. Inside the academy, is a condemned third floor which will finally be renovated beginning in April. 

"I am very upset that the floor at The Academy at Shawnee has been not usable for the total number of years," said JCPS Board of Education Member Diane Porter. "That's totally unacceptable."

"It's literally been condemned since the year I was born," said parent Kennisha Fisher.

District officials like Porter and Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio say funding is the reason behind disrepair. In his recent State of the District, Pollio claimed 28 buildings could be shut down at any moment, due to HVAC or roofing issue.

"If you condemn a part of your home, it changes the structure of your home. If you couldn't go into one of your living rooms or one of your bathrooms, you don't feel like home," Fisher reacted.

That's why Pollio renewed his message for more funding, implying it's time for something like a nickel tax. On a slide, he listed surrounding district tax rates. JCPS comes in last, with the least amount levied: 73.6 cents for every $100 of property value. The idea of a nickel to add to that has been floated. 

The low rate is blamed for JCPS falling behind other districts, in building; Pollio says his district has built one school in 12 years, while Fayette has put up eight.

"We are in really bad shape, and a lot of our schools are in poor shape, and we need them," JCPS 15th District PTA Vice President Bobbi Jo Kingery offered. 

Some parents would pay a higher tax. As for others like Porter, she answered: "I'm not gonna say that right now on TV, but clearly there is a need."

The Board is set to meet in May and talk about it.