The Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) board has revised its plan to cut costs in the division that serves students with disabilities, scaling back some of the most significant reductions after board members rejected an earlier proposal.
The changes come after the JCPS Board of Education voted down the initial plan earlier this month, directing Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood to work with stakeholder groups and return with a revised proposal. Several board members said they opposed the plan because of concerns about how decisions were made — and because some employees, particularly those represented by the Jefferson County Teachers Association, had their contract days protected while others did not.
Under the revised plan, several positions would no longer see cuts to their contract days — meaning those employees would no longer be required to work a shorter year or lose pay tied to those reductions. However, some positions would still see reduced contract days, but the cuts are smaller than initially proposed.
Quote: ‘We’re going to present what we see as best practice. We’re going to present the best options possible.’ Attribution: Dr. Brian Yearwood, JCPS Superintendent
"The JCPS Board of Education is expected to vote on the revised proposal at its March 31 meeting. The board’s decision will have a significant impact on the district’s special education program and the students it serves.
Revised Plan: The JCPS board has revised its plan to cut costs in the special education division.
Contract Days: Some positions will no longer see cuts to their contract days.
Next Steps: The board will vote on the revised proposal at its March 31 meeting.
As the district moves forward with the revised plan, it is essential for parents, teachers, and administrators to work together to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed. By prioritizing the needs of these students and providing them with the necessary resources, JCPS can help them reach their full potential.
By working together and prioritizing the needs of students with disabilities, we can ensure that they receive the support they need to succeed. The Learning Success All Access Program offers a free trial that includes a personalized Action Plan, which can help parents and educators develop a tailored approach to supporting students with disabilities.
