Louisville, Kentucky – In a controversial move that sparked outrage among community leaders, members of the Jefferson County Board of Education voted to terminate busing for the majority of the district’s magnet students. The decision, made in a specially-called meeting, will impact all magnet students except for those attending Central High and Western High, where at least 75% of students come from impoverished households.
The plan to end transportation for most magnet students, affecting over 14,000 students who relied on busing, has raised concerns about lost instructional time. According to district leaders, the change will result in 4-5 million minutes of lost instruction time, with an expected total exceeding 12 million minutes by the end of the year.
The meeting, which lasted over two hours, was met with vocal opposition from community members, JCPS employees, and elected officials. Community leaders expressed frustration over the decision-making process, with some labeling it as disrespectful and manipulative.
The vote to discontinue busing for magnet programs received mixed reactions among board members, splitting along racial lines. Board Chair Corrie Shull, along with members Gail Strange and John Marshall, voted against the plan. Conversely, members Chris Kolb, Sarah McIntosh, James Craig, and Linda Duncan voted in favor, citing the need for action due to ongoing transportation challenges disproportionately impacting students of color.
The proposal has sparked debates about racial equity within the district and led to confrontations during the meeting. Chief Equity Officer John Marshall engaged in a heated exchange with Board Member Chris Kolb over concerns about misleading statements made to the community. The tension escalated to the point where district police officers intervened to separate the two men.
Going forward, the district faces the task of reassigning students who were previously enrolled in magnet programs that are now without busing. Superintendent Marty Pollio has indicated that affected families will be surveyed, and boundary lines may need adjustments to accommodate potential overcrowding in certain schools. The district will also need to consult with student assignment and school choice departments to address transportation changes for the upcoming academic year.
In the midst of mounting challenges and community backlash, the board’s decision to end busing for most magnet students has raised significant concerns about the district’s leadership, trust, and overall crisis management approach. Critics have called for Superintendent Marty Pollio to resign, underscoring the deep-rooted issues impacting the Jefferson County school district.