Louisville, Kentucky, January 9, 2026
A legislative proposal, House Bill 11, has been introduced in Kentucky to permit the division of large, underperforming school districts into smaller entities. This bill primarily targets districts where over 50% of the schools are classified as Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools. With Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) housing a significant number of these schools, the proposal has raised discussions concerning the future structure and governance of JCPS. Local legislative bodies would have the authority to initiate splits, pending voter approval.
Louisville, Kentucky: Proposed Legislation Could Lead to Division of JCPS
Louisville, Kentucky – A new legislative proposal, House Bill 11, has been introduced in the Kentucky General Assembly, aiming to allow the division of large, persistently underperforming school districts into smaller, independent entities. This bill specifically targets districts where more than 50% of schools are classified as Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools, a designation for the state’s lowest-performing institutions. Notably, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) accounts for 41 out of the 53 CSI schools statewide, representing nearly 80% of the total. If enacted, the bill would empower local legislative bodies, such as the Louisville Metro Council, to initiate the splitting process, subject to voter approval. The proposed changes have sparked significant discussion regarding the future structure and governance of JCPS.
Details of House Bill 11
House Bill 11 mandates that the Kentucky Department of Education notify local legislative bodies when a school district under its jurisdiction contains more than 50% of the state’s lowest-performing schools, known as CSI schools. In such cases, the local legislative body is required to hold a vote on splitting the school district into two or more districts. If the measure passes, a final vote would be held for the voters within the district to determine if they would want to adopt the new maps passed by the local legislative body. This process aims to provide a locally driven approach to addressing underperformance in large school districts.
Implications for JCPS
While the bill does not explicitly mention JCPS, the district’s significant number of CSI schools makes it a primary candidate for potential restructuring. The proposed legislation has ignited debates about the effectiveness of dividing large districts to improve educational outcomes and the feasibility of such a significant organizational change. Supporters argue that smaller, more localized districts could lead to better resource allocation and tailored educational strategies, while opponents express concerns about the challenges and costs associated with restructuring.
Background Context
The discussion around restructuring JCPS is not new. In 2022, the Kentucky Supreme Court struck down Senate Bill 1, a law that aimed to transfer more authority from the JCPS Board to the superintendent, citing constitutional concerns. This ruling restored the balance of power within the district’s governance. Additionally, in 2024, the Kentucky House advanced a measure to create a task force to study alternatives to JCPS’s governance structure, including the possibility of dividing the district. These developments reflect ongoing efforts and debates concerning the most effective ways to manage and improve education within Louisville’s public school system.
Key Features of House Bill 11
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Targeted Districts | Large, persistently underperforming school districts with more than 50% of schools classified as CSI schools. |
| Process for Division | Local legislative bodies are required to vote on splitting the district; if approved, the measure goes to voters for final approval. |
| Impact on JCPS | With 41 out of 53 CSI schools statewide, JCPS is a primary candidate for potential restructuring under the bill. |
| Legislative Status | Introduced in the Kentucky General Assembly; in the early stages of the legislative process as of January 9, 2026. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is House Bill 11?
House Bill 11 is a legislative proposal introduced in the Kentucky General Assembly that aims to allow the division of large, persistently underperforming school districts into smaller, independent entities. The bill specifically targets districts where more than 50% of schools are classified as Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools, a designation for the state’s lowest-performing institutions.
How does House Bill 11 affect Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS)?
While the bill does not explicitly mention JCPS, the district accounts for 41 out of the 53 CSI schools statewide, representing nearly 80% of the total. This significant number makes JCPS a primary candidate for potential restructuring under the proposed legislation.
What are the potential benefits and challenges of dividing JCPS?
Supporters of dividing JCPS argue that smaller, more localized districts could lead to better resource allocation and tailored educational strategies, potentially improving student outcomes. However, opponents express concerns about the challenges and costs associated with restructuring, including logistical complexities and the impact on students and staff during the transition period.
What is the current status of House Bill 11?
As of January 9, 2026, House Bill 11 has been introduced in the Kentucky General Assembly. The bill is in the early stages of the legislative process and will require further committee reviews and votes before it can be enacted into law.
How has the Kentucky Supreme Court previously addressed JCPS governance?
In 2022, the Kentucky Supreme Court struck down Senate Bill 1, a law that aimed to transfer more authority from the JCPS Board to the superintendent, citing constitutional concerns. This ruling restored the balance of power within the district’s governance.
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