JCPS Ready for School Start Thursday, but Expected Ruling From Judge Could Complicate Bus Plan
Source: https://www.wdrb.com/
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is confident in its new transportation plan for the first day of school on Thursday, aiming to avoid last year’s chaos. Despite ongoing federal court proceedings where a lawsuit could potentially delay the school start until November, Superintendent Marty Pollio assured that school will begin as planned.
Key Highlight:
The lawsuit, filed by two parents, argues that the district’s new bus plan negatively affects students of color and may force them into less desirable schools. Pollio believes the court’s decision, if unfavorable, could alter the plan but assures parents that they should not be concerned.
Louisville attorney Teddy Gordon, representing the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), disputed JCPS’s claim that a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the court would cause significant delays. Gordon argued that the district’s assertion of a complex and challenging process is exaggerated, suggesting instead that JCPS could easily revert to its previous plan since they have the same number of drivers as last year. JCPS officials, however, emphasize the extensive effort and time already invested in their new plan, describing it as a major undertaking.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is preparing for potential adjustments to its transportation plan pending a judge’s ruling, which may take a couple of weeks. Despite the uncertainty, JCPS is committed to starting school on time and has developed backup options in case the entire bus system needs reworking due to an injunction.
The district has spent months overhauling its transportation system, including working with an internal routing team and addressing a bus driver shortage. JCPS has also collaborated with the Transit Authority of River City to transition some drivers to the school district to help mitigate the shortage. Although the first day might face challenges, JCPS is hopeful that the new plan will ultimately bring positive changes.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) expects 70 drivers from the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), but only 14 will start the year with the district. Early test runs for drivers have gone well, with improvements in drop-off times, although the first day of school might see a later drop-off around 7:30 p.m. To manage bus schedules and ensure timely transportation, JCPS has decided to cut services for magnet and traditional schools, affecting over 14,000 students. The district has faced ongoing challenges in recruiting enough bus drivers, leading to delays in previous years.
Image Source: https://www.wdrb.com/
