LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Jefferson County Board of Education has approved a lower tax rate at their Sept. 3 board meeting.

This is the third year in a row the board has voted to lower tax rates, both the real estate and personal property tax. The real estate tax rate is going down from 76 cents per $100 of assessed value to 73.5 cents per $100 of assessed value. Personal property tax is going down from 76.8 cents per $100 of assessed value to 73.5 cents per $100 of assessed value.

While the rate is going down, the new rates combined with the higher tax assessment will bring in around $31 million in additional funds for employee raises and curriculum.

Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Marty Pollio said the district will need to look at the rate again in 2026 to make sure the district’s needs are met. “It us allows us to meet what we have agreed to for our raises for employees for next year so yes I do think long term that this board and this community is going to have to know that if we are going to change our staffing problems and shortages, we are going to have to take further steps in the future,” he explained.

Pollio says by approving the tax rate, it will allow the board to present the district’s working budget presentation at the next board meeting, which is scheduled for Sept. 24.

Jefferson County Public Schools is the state’s largest school district, with nearly 97,000 students enrolled.