LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) may be changing its student assignment plans to improve access and opportunities for students.  

The school district is inviting the community to get involved and stay informed about the plan that hasn’t changed in 40 years through community forums.

The board shared the principal goals of the plan, including equity and diversity to an in-person and virtual audience at the forum at The Academy at Shawnee Tuesday night.

JCPS superintendent Marty Pollio hopes the new proposal will give families, especially those in west Louisville, a real choice. 

The plan would offer families the choice to attend a school close to their home or a designated school in another area. 

The goal is to improve student outcomes across the board, but especially West Louisville students and students of color. 

Pollio said black and brown JCPS students are more likely to attend schools that are Title 1, under-enrolled, and farther from their homes. 

“For far too long, only one community has borne the responsibility for ensuring diversity in our schools, and that’s predominantly students of West Louisville,” Pollio said. “It’s time for a change, and we are committed to co-creating a plan with our community that ensures all students have equitable access to high-quality school choice options within JCPS.”

Compared to other students in the district, Pollio said students of color are less likely to feel a sense of belonging, which he believes affects student achievement. 

“It is very clear when students have a high sense of belonging there are few behavior problems more open to feedback, take greater advantage reporting opportunities, building important relationships, positive attitude about school and teachers, more likely to persevere more likely to graduate and more likely to develop the skills that are necessary to be successful,” Pollio said. 

Student assignment is an important piece of the puzzle, and Pollio said the alternative of staying with the current plan is not an option. 

“Is this the perfect plan [and] recommendations? That’s what we want to hear over the next two months. That’s why we sit here with you tonight trying to get your input as opposed to just legislating from Frankfort and never being here in the community with you,” Pollio said.

The board will not vote on the revised student assignment proposal until late May or early June.

Until then, Pollio said the board will be in front of the community to ensure questions are answered and feedback is received.

JCPS says the 302-page plan draft will be released by the end of the week. 

If approved, the changes would go into effect during the 2023-2024 school year for incoming kindergarten, sixth and ninth graders.