LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio is facing calls to step down because of this weeks busing issues. Pollio says he does not plan to go anywhere. 

What You Need To Know

  •  Parents in the Jefferson County School District are calling for Superintendent Marty Pollio to retire

  •  Pollio said he won't retire until either he or the board wants him to

  •  He said he is also keeping his $75,000 raise r

  • He apologized for the transportation problems and took full responsibility 

Pollio says he plans to keep doing the job he took on in 2018.

“I have been tasked to lead bold change. And so that’s what I’m doing. It comes with major challenges. I’ve taken responsibility for that, but I’m going to keep doing that work until either I decide I’m not going to do it or the board decides that they don’t want me to do it anymore,” Pollio said during a news conference. 

Pollio said the bus route mistakes fall squarely on his shoulders.

“The times were to close, because especially on the first day. You’re not going to have a perfect situation. There’s just no way around it. And so it falls on us,” he said. 

At a news conference Friday Aug.  11, he was asked about his whereabouts on Thursday; A day parents said they wanted answers from him. Pollio called it an unbelievable question.

“So, if you are asking me if I was a dad yesterday. Yes, I was a dad yesterday, if that’s what you are asking me. My family has suffered a great deal from me having this job. I think that’s that is really an unbelievable question from you. I’m answering the question and yes, did I drive my daughter to college. I don’t know who else would do that.”

The superintendent got a $75,000 raise in 2023 and considering the busing problems, some parents called for him to give it up.

“I have a pension where I can make it at the same as what I do now ... I’m essentially volunteering to work in a job that I consider to be one of the most difficult jobs in the nation,” he said. 

He said the role of superintendent is tough. He also said he doubts there would be many applicants if the position were to open up.

“It’s taken a major toll on my family. I mean, there is no doubt about it. From having to answer the question about whether I take my daughter to college or not to the absolute vitriol that my family has to see on social media just the nastiness, it really takes a toll,” he said. 

The job, he said, is full of hard decisions with no right answer.

A group of state lawmakers representing Jefferson County Districts called it “the last straw.”

They said the busing issues “must be the catalyst for change” in the school system.

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