LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Earlier this week, the Jefferson County Board of Education voted to change start times for almost 50 schools, causing one Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) board member to write an open letter to school and district leaders.
What You Need To Know
- Earlier this week, the Jefferson County Board of Education voted to change start times for almost 50 schools
- Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) member Chris Kolb wrote a letter to school and district leaders in response, criticizing the district's issues
- The letter discusses the district's bus driver shortage, school start times, transportation challenges and more
- In response to the letter, JCPS said superintendent Marty Pollio supports all principals and their passion for their schools and families
Rev. Timothy Findley Jr. said he has read the letter multiple times.
“I thought this was one of the most distasteful, condescending letters that I’ve read from a (school) board official to faculties and principals that I’ve read in some time," said Findley, pastor of Kingdom Fellowship Christian Life Center. "I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like this.”
Board member Chris Kolb's letter discusses the bus driver shortage, school start times, transportation challenges and more.
Findley, who is running to be a state representative, said a particular part of the letter jumped out at him.
"'However, if you feel free that you are up to the task, of leading through what will be a rapidly evolving environment, then please consider that it may be best for you and the children, of Jefferson County, that you may step aside,'" Findley said as he read the section aloud.
"That is a ridiculous statement. When you have principals that have given so much, to say to them if they’re not up to the task, they’ve been up to the task since the first day they got there. I would say, I don’t think Chris Kolb is up to the task, and I think he should step down immediately.”
Findley said he wants to work with Jefferson County and hopes others recognize the importance of elections as a result of the letter.
Kolb declined an interview for the story and said he prefers the letter speak for itself.
JCPS said in a statement superintendent Marty Pollio supports all principals and their passion for their schools and families. It added the district's bus driver shortage continues to be a burden on not just Pollio, but district staff, students, families and board members.
“Dr. Pollio appreciates the willingness of principals to share their thoughts and feedback with the board," the district said. "In regard to the letter written by Dr. Kolb - one of Dr. Pollio’s seven bosses - Dr. Kolb asked Dr. Pollio to distribute the email to all JCPS principals, which the superintendent did through the assistant superintendents.”