JCPS Board Sets Temporary Districts, Passes $1.8 Billion Budget With $115 Million Cuts

Overview

• After a Tuesday meeting required by Kentucky’s Senate Bill 4, the board drew lots to assign five temporary districts to Tricia Lister, Corrie Shull, James Craig, Trevin Bass, and Gail Logan Strange, kept Taylor Everett and Linda Duncan at-large, and set all seats for the November 2026 ballot with winners seated in January 2027 on staggered terms.
• The board approved a tentative budget of nearly $1.8 billion that trims $115 million and is projected to shrink the deficit from $188 million to about $82 million next year, with balance expected by 2031.
• Of the $115 million in reductions, $80 million goes directly to lowering the deficit and $35.5 million is slated for targeted needs including $13 million for facilities, $10 million for salary schedule changes, $7 million for bus replacements, $2 million for Chromebooks, $2.5 million for teacher supplies, and $1 million for an Urban League partnership.
• Members ratified a teachers’ contract change that skips a cost-of-living raise next year but provides a one-time $2,000 stipend and a four-year phaseout of extra pay at some high-need schools, while outlets differ on whether the extension lasts one year or runs through 2028.
• The board approved letters of intent to sell two surplus campuses, with Christ Temple Christian Life Center offering $1.02 million for the former King Elementary and The Tea Spot LLC offering $945,250 for Waller-Williams at Riverport.