Louisville, Ky. (WDRB) – Jefferson County Public Schools heard from parents Monday for the first time since unveiling its plan to close or consolidate several schools.
Parents and students told JCPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood directly that they believe the plan will have harmful effects on children.
The district is proposing major changes to several schools – closing Liberty High School and Zachary Taylor Elementary, relocating Waller-Williams Environmental and TAPP, and merging King Elementary into Maupin.
District leaders said they used a “facility profile index” to make these decisions. It ranks each JCPS building based on its condition, operating costs, and enrollment.
At Monday’s meeting, district operating officials clarified that they did not consider student outcomes, which parents and students said was the reason for their disappointment with the plan.
Michael Thomas Sr. said, “Dr. Yearwood, I have a question for you: Why are you messing with our kids?” “We are ready to go to war – we will not play with you when it comes to our children.”
JCPS said the proposal would save approximately $4 million before selling any land associated with these schools.
All feedback received from these meetings will be compiled into a report for the Board. No work can proceed without the approval of the board. That vote is scheduled for Dec. 9.
Jill Camuel asked, “Does the money the district saves by closing Liberty go to their students?”
A former board member said that these feedback meetings tend to be too quick and too short, making it difficult for families to participate and have meaningful conversations.
Two more feedback meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, December 2nd from 5-6pm at the JCPS Center for Professional Learning and Wednesday, December 3rd from 5-6pm at the Academy @ Shawnee.
More Coverage:
Full list shows JCPS schools being considered for closure, updated
JCPS withdraws proposal to change start times after receiving feedback from families, staff
JCPS faces $188 million budget shortfall, recommends closing 2 schools and relocating others
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