Louisville, KY, January 15, 2026
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is proposing $142 million in budget cuts to address a $188 million deficit for the upcoming school year. The plan includes eliminating about 300 central office positions and reorganizing district leadership. Superintendent Brian Yearwood stated that teaching positions will not be affected. The proposed cuts are part of a larger effort to align expenditures with available revenue, with the JCPS Board scheduled to vote on the proposal soon.
Louisville, KY: JCPS Proposes $142 Million in Budget Cuts to Address Massive Shortfall
Louisville, KY – Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has unveiled a draft proposal to reduce its budget by $142 million, aiming to address a significant $188 million deficit for the 2026-2027 school year. The plan includes eliminating approximately 300 central office positions and reorganizing district departments and leadership structures.
Details of the Proposed Cuts
The proposed budget reductions are as follows:
- $44 million from central office operations, involving the elimination of about 300 positions and a reorganization of district departments and leadership.
- $41 million from school budget funds not directly tied to student instruction.
- $30 million from ongoing union negotiations, with the final amount subject to change as discussions progress.
- $13 million from operations and transportation.
- $9 million from contracts and subscriptions.
- $5 million from facilities and underutilized assets.
Employees affected by these cuts will be notified before May 15. Superintendent Brian Yearwood emphasized that teaching positions would remain unaffected by these reductions, stating clearly that, “We are not laying off teachers. That’s not happening.”
Background Context
In September 2025, JCPS Superintendent Brian Yearwood addressed the district’s $188 million budget deficit, attributing it to years of systemic fiscal unsustainability and reliance on temporary funding sources. The district has been exploring various strategies to mitigate the shortfall, including potential cuts to staff and programs.
The proposed budget cuts are part of a broader effort to align the district’s expenditures with its available revenue, ensuring financial stability for the upcoming school year. The JCPS Board of Education is scheduled to review and vote on the proposed budget on January 20, with final approval required before implementation.
Key Features of the Proposed Budget Cuts
| Area of Reduction | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Central Office Operations | $44 million | Elimination of approximately 300 positions and reorganization of district departments and leadership. |
| School Budget Funds | $41 million | Reduction in funds not directly tied to student instruction. |
| Union Negotiations | $30 million | Potential cuts pending ongoing negotiations. |
| Operations and Transportation | $13 million | Reductions in operational and transportation expenses. |
| Contracts and Subscriptions | $9 million | Elimination of certain contracts and subscriptions. |
| Facilities and Underutilized Assets | $5 million | Reduction in expenditures related to facilities and underutilized assets. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total amount of proposed budget cuts by JCPS?
The proposed budget cuts total $142 million, aiming to address a $188 million deficit for the 2026-2027 school year.
How many positions are being eliminated in the central office?
Approximately 300 central office positions are proposed to be eliminated as part of the budget cuts.
Will teaching positions be affected by these budget cuts?
No, teaching positions will remain unaffected by these budget cuts.
When will employees be notified about the position eliminations?
Employees whose positions are being eliminated will be notified before May 15.
When is the JCPS Board of Education scheduled to review and vote on the proposed budget?
The JCPS Board of Education is scheduled to review and vote on the proposed budget on January 20, with final approval required before implementation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
JCPS Confronts $90 Million Budget Shortfall in Louisville
Louisville’s Resilience Through a Year of Challenges
Kentucky’s Income Tax Rate Set to Decrease: What You Need to Know
Kentucky Governor Proposes Budget Management Plan
JCPS Board Pauses School Closure Plan Amid Budget Concerns
Kentucky Republicans Outline Legislative Priorities for 2026
Parents Rally to Keep King Elementary Open Amid Financial Crisis
Mayor Greenberg Seeks State Funding for Louisville Initiatives
University of Louisville Faces $12.5 Million Athletic Shortfall
Louisville Schools Board Approves Guidelines for Independent Audit
