LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Parents in Louisville are taking Jefferson County Public Schools' (JCPS) transportation problems into their own hands. A couple is starting its own transportation business with pickup for students at their front door.

This comes as the district is weighing options for next school year. 

What You Need To Know

  • Jalon Edwards and Carrington Spalding are launching "The Cool Carpool," a new transportation option for JCPS students

  • "The Cool Carpool" will pick up students at their home and drop them off at school

  • Right now, the cost is not solidified, but they estimate it will cost $75 a week per student

  • Enrollment will start around the second week of June

Jalon Edwards and Carrington Spalding are launching "The Cool Carpool," a new transportation option for JCPS students. 

“So we came together, we sat, thought it over, and we were like, yeah, let's do this," said Jalon Edwards, one of the owners of "The Cool Carpool." "Let's make sure that every kid, not just ours, has transportation to these magnet programs and traditional programs."

Edwards and Spalding are partners and have children in JCPS. Edwards used to be a school bus driver in the district, and Spalding currently drives for the district.

“I will be driving," Edwards said. "I am a father. I have driven for JCPS. I'm (commercial driver's license)-certified, CPR certified, first-aid, everything that would make any parent comfortable."

They said with their driving experience, they can create efficient routes while choosing where they provide their services.

“Routing is really strategic, but there is a way to figure it out,” said Carrington Spalding, "The Cool Carpool" co-owner.

At least 30 parents have expressed interest since the business’ soft launch a couple weeks ago. The cost is not solidified, but they said it will be around $75 a week per student.

“Enrollment is looking pretty great," Edwards said. "I mean, I get someone, maybe like three or four people a day, just calling, texting me, trying to get more information about this business."

They are planning on using Sprinter vans, which can hold about 15 students. They said vans are easier to monitor student behavior. 

“With a van, everybody is right there," Edwards said. "You can see everyone’s faces in the rearview mirror. I just feel like everyone is within arm's reach, honestly."

Enrollment will start around the second week of June.

JCPS has presented four options for its transportation plan for the 2024-2025 academic year. The board tabled discussions on proposed changes at last week’s meeting. Discussions are now expected at the next board meeting April 16, 2024.  

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