Louisville, Kentucky, January 7, 2026
A new bill in Kentucky aims to empower the Louisville Metro Council and local voters to divide the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) district into multiple districts. House Bill 11 would enable the council to initiate the split through a public hearing and majority vote, followed by a referendum for voters. This legislation targets persistently underperforming districts as defined by the Kentucky Department of Education, potentially reshaping the governance and operational structure of JCPS, amidst ongoing discussions about educational quality and resource allocation.
Louisville, Kentucky
Proposed Kentucky Legislation Could Empower Metro Council and Voters to Restructure JCPS
A new bill introduced in the Kentucky General Assembly aims to grant the Louisville Metro Council and local voters the authority to divide the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) district into multiple districts. This proposal, known as House Bill 11, would allow the council to initiate the split through a public hearing and majority vote, followed by a referendum for Jefferson County voters. The bill specifically targets “persistently underperforming school districts,” as identified by the Kentucky Department of Education, without explicitly naming JCPS.
Details of House Bill 11
House Bill 11, introduced by Representative Jared Bauman, seeks to empower the Louisville Metro Council to divide JCPS into at least two districts. The process would involve a public hearing and a majority vote within the council, followed by a referendum for Jefferson County voters. The bill does not specifically name JCPS but refers to a “persistently underperforming school district,” as defined by the Kentucky Department of Education.
Context and Background
This legislative move follows a series of state interventions in JCPS’s governance. In December 2025, the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled Senate Bill 1 unconstitutional, which had previously limited the powers of the Jefferson County Board of Education. The court’s decision restored curriculum-setting and principal hiring authority to the elected JCPS board, rather than the superintendent.
Additionally, in March 2024, the Kentucky General Assembly passed House Bill 388, which created nonpartisan elections for the offices of the Metro Council and mayor. The bill also included amendments affecting the Louisville Metro Police accountability structure and paused efforts to reform Louisville zoning ordinances. These legislative actions have significantly reshaped Louisville’s governance and have implications for the future of JCPS.
Potential Implications
If enacted, House Bill 11 could lead to the restructuring of JCPS, potentially creating multiple school districts within Jefferson County. This change would grant the Louisville Metro Council and local voters greater control over the management and operation of schools in their communities. However, the proposal has raised concerns among some community members and local officials about the potential impact on educational quality and resource allocation.
Next Steps
House Bill 11 is currently under consideration in the Kentucky General Assembly. If the bill passes, it will proceed to the Louisville Metro Council for a public hearing and vote, followed by a referendum for Jefferson County voters. The outcome of this legislative process will determine the future structure of JCPS and the extent of local control over the district’s governance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is House Bill 11?
House Bill 11 is a proposed Kentucky state law that would allow the Louisville Metro Council and local voters to divide the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) district into multiple districts.
How would House Bill 11 work?
The bill would enable the Louisville Metro Council to initiate the division of JCPS through a public hearing and majority vote. Following this, a referendum would be held for Jefferson County voters to approve or reject the proposed restructuring.
Why is JCPS being considered for division?
The bill targets “persistently underperforming school districts,” as defined by the Kentucky Department of Education, without explicitly naming JCPS. The goal is to improve educational outcomes by restructuring the district.
What is the current status of House Bill 11?
The bill is currently under consideration in the Kentucky General Assembly. If passed, it will proceed to the Louisville Metro Council for a public hearing and vote, followed by a referendum for Jefferson County voters.
What are the potential implications of this bill?
If enacted, the bill could lead to the restructuring of JCPS, potentially creating multiple school districts within Jefferson County. This change would grant the Louisville Metro Council and local voters greater control over the management and operation of schools in their communities. However, the proposal has raised concerns among some community members and local officials about the potential impact on educational quality and resource allocation.
Key Features of House Bill 11
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Initiation of Division | Louisville Metro Council can propose dividing JCPS through a public hearing and majority vote. |
| Voter Approval | A referendum would be held for Jefferson County voters to approve or reject the proposed restructuring. |
| Targeted Districts | The bill targets “persistently underperforming school districts,” as defined by the Kentucky Department of Education, without explicitly naming JCPS. |
| Potential Impact | Could lead to the creation of multiple school districts within Jefferson County, granting local control over school management. |
| Current Status | Under consideration in the Kentucky General Assembly; if passed, would proceed to the Louisville Metro Council and then to a voter referendum. |
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