Bevin calls for improvement within JCPS amid state takeover recommendation

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) – Governor Matt Bevin did not confirm on Tuesday morning if he supported a state takeover of Jefferson County Public Schools. Bevin referred those questions to the state board, who will ultimately make the decision.

A state takeover was recommended in a letter released by intern commissioner Dr. Wayne Lewis on Monday afternoon.

Like many, Bevin seems to be eager to fix the issues plaguing JCPS, like its large achievement gap, primarily impacting lower income and minority students.

While speaking publicly about the issue at Churchill Downs Tuesday morning, Governor Bevin praised JCPS superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio. He also noted current interim commissioner Dr. Wayne Lewis and Dr. Pollio have a good working relationship.

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Bevin is supportive of local control, which may have an influence on the potential state takeover.

"These things come in a lot of different shapes and forms," Bevin said. "This is one where they're going to use more of the people already in place it would seem, than has been historically the case - or is the case in the other two counties, in school districts that the state is taking responsibility for."

The Jefferson County Board of Education has 30 days to ask for a formal hearing on this matter in front of the state Board of Education; or accept the findings of the audit and waive the hearing.

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