LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) leaders presented the school board with three options Tuesday to help resolve the district’s transportation issues. 

Those options include making no changes, cutting bus routes for 16,000 magnet and traditional school students or creating hubs for magnet and traditional school students to be bussed from rather than where they live. 

Teachers and parents are concerned about the potential change and lack of access to specialized programs.

“Those opportunities are needed because these schools provide a ticket ... it's not one size fits all," said Ellen Niehoff, Central High School Career Magnet Academy social studies teacher. "There [are] certain pathways." 

Niehoff’s son went to Central High School and is now studying engineering at the University of Louisville (UofL). She said he probably wouldn’t have the same opportunities as he does now if he went to his home school.

“Here at Central, he was part of our STEM magnet where they have a special partnership with the [J.B. Speed School of Engineering] at UofL, where these partnerships are made," Niehoff said. 

Each option has its problems and benefits, said Marty Pollio, JCPS superintendent. 

“I will say, there were concerns around racial equity when it comes to transportation; there's no doubt about that," Pollo said. "But I want to be clear, there are issues. That's one of the things we put in. When you look at option one or two, there are equity issues involved with this." 

Many of Niehoff's students rely on bus transportation, she said.

“We have every ZIP code represented ... bussing here is very important," she said. 

The district said it's continuously hiring bus drivers and held a hiring blitz event last weekend. A JCPS spokesperson said 170 people filled out applications at the event, and more than 60,000 students bus to school. 

According to the district, public forums will occur before the board plans to vote next month.