LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – As JCPS navigates its budget deficit, the possibility of schools closing their doors is becoming more and more likely.
The district released its Facility Profile Index, which was used to determine the first round of proposed closures.
It classifies 23 schools across the district as “critical,” based on operating costs, the school’s condition, and enrollment percentages.
It’s part of the district’s wider plan to address a $188 million budget shortfall.
“It’s awful. It’s awful,” Zachary Taylor Elementary parent Vyctoria Amsler said. “We’re all really sad.”
Parents like Amsler, whose kids found a home at Zachary Taylor Elementary for specialized support, are now faced with a harsh reality of relocating to a new school.
Her primary concern is her daughter and other students who rely on the program won’t get the same help elsewhere.
“Everybody’s really upset. You know, we have two parents who have 4th graders. You know, they’ve been there since kindergarten,” she said. “Now, they have to go and start at a whole new school for their fifth grade year. I mean, that’s absolutely- that’s terrible.”
Zachary Taylor is one of two schools that could close as early as next year. The other is Liberty High School.
Other schools could consolidate, including King Elementary. Those students merge into Maupin, just a few miles away.
The Georgia Chaffee Program would go to the Male Campus. The Waller William Environmental program would find a new home at an existing facility in the Fairdale neighborhood.
The first round of proposed changes would cut about $4 million out of the budget. Superintendent Dr. Brian H. Yearwood addressed the possible changes during a Nov. 25 press conference.
“These are difficult decisions,” Dr. Yearwood said. “But these are necessary to preserve the future of our district.”
Amsler and many other parents don’t see it that way.
“I think that there’s a lot of people, a lot of children that are being shuffled around that isn’t necessary,” Amsler said.
Members of the JCPS community can share thoughts or ask questions at three upcoming forums:
- Monday, Dec. 1, from 5–6 p.m. at Kammerer Middle School. Address: 7315 Westboro Rd.
- Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 5–6 p.m. at the JCPS Center for Professional Learning. Address: 3903 Atkinson Square Dr.
- Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 5–6 p.m. at Academy @ Shawnee. Address: 4001 Herman St.
Feedback can also be made through a form online.
A vote on the 2026-2027 changes is expected during the Dec. 9 school board meeting.
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