LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Earlier this year, state lawmakers in Frankfort passed legislation creating the Efficient and Effective District Governance Task Force. On Aug. 27, the task force held its first meeting in Louisville to gather input from parents on how to improve Jefferson County Public Schools. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Efficient and Effective District Governance Task Force held its first public meeting on Aug. 27 to gather feedback on Jefferson County Public Schools

  • The Task Force asked the community two questions: How would you like to see the district's academic offerings, educational capabilities and operations improved? And how have these factors affected the enrollment decisions for your child?

  • JCPS serves almost 97,000 students

  • As of now, the task force is considering all options for how and where the district should move forward. This is one of two meetings the group will hold in Louisville

On Tuesday, community members, teachers and students gathered at Central High School to talk to and hear from the task force, also known as the JCPS task force.

F. Bruce Williams, pastor of Bates Memorial Baptist Church, says many people he has talked to are confused about the intentions of the task force.

“Just about 100% of the people who were at the meeting were on the impression that the task force was here, because one of the things they were considering was whether to divide up the district,” said Williams.

He says he believes the district doesn’t need to be rescued but needs resources.

“You fund whatever is a priority. So if you say you value education, put your money where your mouth is … but funding is critical, is pivotal,” said Williams.

JCPS teacher Ellis Tarver spoke to the task force, saying he is glad there is an open forum but is also a little skeptical. He hopes they use the feedback given at the meeting.

“To be a united one of, let’s keep things … maybe not the way they’re going, but let’s not drastically alter and segregate a community even more than what it already is,” said Tarver.

While many at the meeting thought the task force wanted to break up the district, State Sen. Michael J. Nemes, R-Shepherdsville, says that is not the intention.

“That is not our intention. Our total intention is to do what’s best for the students, service county and to help the school system if there’s something in Frankfort that we can help them with,” said Nemes.

State Sen. Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, who represents parts of western Jefferson county, says he knows questions are being raised for the legitimacy of the task force but hopes to gather more information to better support the needs of the district.

“What we need to do is seek information on how to support the district, and we need their recommendation. So I hope that’s the tone that this body proceeds with. That’s the tone I participate in this task force with,” said Neal.

Williams hopes this task force takes heed of the concerns the community shared, and that the community continues to raise their voices.

“It’s our kids that are our priority. And so when they see it, I hope they realize where I am fighting for them, that our kids are our priority,” said Williams.

As of now, the task force is considering all options for how the district should move forward. This is one of two meetings the group will hold in Louisville. The next one will be the second week of September.

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