LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) board has made a significant decision regarding the leadership of the district, voting 5-2 on Thursday to initiate contract negotiations with one of two finalists for the position of superintendent. However, the board has decided not to publicly announce their choice until after the contract discussions have concluded.
The finalists under consideration for the role are Ben Shuldiner and Brian Yearwood. In a notable split, board members Taylor Everett and Linda Duncan expressed their opposition to the chosen candidate. Duncan has publicly stated that her vote reflects the sentiments of the constituents who reached out to her.
During their candidacies, Shuldiner and Yearwood participated in public forums where they engaged with community members, outlining their visions for the district's future. A key topic of discussion was the potential impact of state legislation aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the schools and the possible fragmentation of the school district itself. Both candidates robustly defended against these legislative efforts.
Republican Representative Jason Nemes commented on the situation, asserting that the candidates are not responsible for the legislative decisions, stating, "Those are questions for the legislature to decide." He emphasized the importance of focusing on pressing matters such as academic achievement and discipline, which he believes are critical conversations that need to take precedence.
Nemes has also highlighted concerns he has heard from teachers who have left their positions, citing reasons such as insufficient discipline and inadequate support from administration. He suggested that the newly appointed superintendent must address these issues effectively to gain his support.
In addition to the board's decision, recent surveys conducted by a search firm and the Jefferson County Teachers Association indicate a strong community preference for Ben Shuldiner. According to the surveys, over 63% of teachers expressed their support for Shuldiner, while only about 9% favored Yearwood, along with a notable portion of respondents indicating a preference for other candidates. Feedback from public forums reinforced Shuldiner's status as the community's preferred choice.
As the board moves forward, their objective is to finalize contract negotiations and announce the new superintendent before the current superintendent, Marty Pollio, retires at the end of June. This timeline adds a sense of urgency to the process as the board aims to ensure a smooth leadership transition for the district.
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