The JCPS Budget Proposal is finding enemies quickly, and there is a vote by the school board this week to move the proposal forward. Ahem, parents, guardians, and concerned citizens, this is your chance to make your voices heard.
Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood’s budget proposal is trying to address the $142 million deficit. Teachers, students, and members of the public aren’t pleased with the initial plan, citing its targeting of mental health programs and teachers in non-traditional environments. Teachers at Maryhurst, Home of the Innocents, and Our Lady of Peace were told to prepare for budget cuts, according to sources close to the issue.
The Jefferson County Teachers’ Union claims that teaching roles are safe and that those in support instructional roles could fill some teaching vacancies.
Teachers at non-traditional school environments such as youth care facilities are skeptical about the plan and how they will continue to operate should their budgets be slashed. These students are among the most vulnerable, and many lack guardians available to fight against these plans.
The district is also claiming that these teaching positions are safe, but that mental health support staff may be included in cuts —a loss that could have far-reaching negative effects on students.
The Louisville Urban League issued a statement in response to the proposal, calling the overall plan a “thoughtful starting point,” but committed itself to monitoring the proposal and plans as it moves towards a vote for:
● Equity: Ensuring that the reduction of “Needs Index” funding and the closure/merger of schools does not disproportionately harm schools serving low-income students, students of need, and students of color.
● Personnel Transitions: Monitoring how staff from eliminated roles are reassigned to fill the district’s existing teacher vacancies. We support finding job opportunities for those whose positions will be eliminated, but the district must ensure people are heading into roles they are aptly qualified to execute.
● Student Services: Verifying that the reduction in operations and contracts does not degrade the quality of transportation or essential student support services, particularly mental health, disability, and special needs services.
“For years, the Urban League has advocated for a leaner, more responsive central administration that exists primarily to serve the needs of students and educators on the front lines. We are generally supportive of the proposed $44 million reduction in central office overhead and the elimination of 300 non-instructional positions. These are difficult but necessary steps to ensure that the district remains fiscally responsible while keeping its focus where it belongs: on student outcomes.
“However, as an organization committed to equity, we recognize that “the central office” often includes vital support roles that directly impact our most vulnerable students. We are particularly attentive to the proposed $41 million in cuts to supplemental and “add-on” programs. While we understand the need to streamline, we have questions about the long-term impact of reducing Academic Instructional Coaches (AICs) and other roles that are essential to providing a healthy, high-quality learning environment in our Choice Zone and high-needs schools.”
The JCPS School Board will hold a vote on the superintendent’s budget proposal this Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Vanhoose Education Center (3332 Newburg Rd.).
