LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Philanthropist, novelist and billionaire MacKenzie Scott has given Jefferson County Public Schools what is believed to be its largest gift ever. Scott gave $20 million to the Jefferson County Public Education Foundation, which gives direct financial support to JCPS.

What You Need To Know

  •  Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $20 million to Jefferson County Public Education Foundation

  •  Dr. Marty Pollio calls it a "game changing donation"

  •  The money will go toward an initiative called "E3: Engagement, Environment and Experiences"

  • The initiatives tackles the various inequities in the school district

Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said, “This is a game changing donation to our community.We are enormously happy and grateful that JCPS is the latest entity to be on the receiving end of MacKenzie Scott’s incredible generosity.”

Scott has donated billions to nonprofit organizations and charities around the world. JCPS says there are rarely restrictions on how the organizations can spend the money.

Pollio said the money will fund a new initiative to narrow the gap in supplemental funding for JCPS’ high-poverty schools. The initiative is called “E3: Engagement, Environment and Experiences.”

In a release to Spectrum News 1, JCPS said E3 will “combat the inequity that exists in funding for things like playgrounds, athletic fields and orchestra rooms at schools in JCPS’ new Choice Zone - primarily high-poverty schools in West Louisville.”

Some of the money will help pay for uniforms, college visits, musical instruments and overnight trips for students who can’t afford them.

Some of the money will help pay for uniforms, musical instruments, college visits or overnight trips for students who can’t afford them. 

“Our families and the community love our school and want it to be a place that continuously provides the students and staff all the resources they need to be successful,’’ said Kym Rice, Academy at Shawnee principal. “This money will help Shawnee and other Choice Zone schools have programs, opportunities and facilities comparable to others across the district.”    

E3 will also fund Choice Zone schools’ PTA memberships and functions and allow them to host community celebrations and staff appreciation events.  

“Research clearly shows that teacher and staff morale and retention improves dramatically when they feel like their important work is being valued, appreciated and recognized,” Pollio said. 

Related Stories