FRANKFORT, Ky. — A legislative task force designed to study the efficiency of Jefferson County Public Schools met for the first time Monday, July 15.

The group made up of lawmakers, parents and teachers heard from JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio and other district leaders.

In a presentation to the committee, Pollio showed since his tenure, the district has seen an increase in graduation rates and postsecondary readiness.

“We still have a lot of work to do with this," Pollio said. "I don’t want us to say we’ve arrived with this data, and we’ve won. But to go from 81.6% graduation rate to 87%, (is something) we are extremely proud of." 

Pollio and other district leaders addressed a task force designed to analyze the efficiency and effectiveness of school districts, specifically JCPS.

“As you know, I sat here at this table several months ago and was not necessarily a fan or in favor of this commission for a variety of reasons," Pollio said. "However, in the end, like other audits, during my time we take positives out of every single audit or group that comes in." 

Pollio presented information outlining the district's strengths and weaknesses. A major weakness facing the district is students missing 10 or more days of school a year.

“My goal is to learn from other school systems and this school system on what their struggles are and how they can be helped," said State Sen. Mike Nemes, R-Shepherdsville.

Nemes said while some think the task force has a preconceived outcome to split up the district, that’s not on the table.

“If someone brings it up and they have facts, figures and data ... and other districts have done it and it’s best for the students, then that would be in the report," Nemes said. "Unless they can show that it is best for the students, that’s not the only agenda." 

District leaders or task force members did not bring up the topic of splitting up JCPS at the inaugural meeting. The task force will meet again July 29.