LOUISVILLE, Ky. - In his first State of the District address, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood outlined his strategic vision for the future of the District, centered on financial stability and a renewed commitment to academic growth for the more than 94,000 students across JCPS.
In a room filled with educators, community partners and students, Dr. Yearwood characterized the current state of JCPS as “resilience in action,” moving past historic financial uncertainty and toward his vision of a “destination school district.”
The District’s aggressive response to a $188 million budget deficit was a cornerstone of his address. After eight months of listening sessions and 60 community meetings, the Superintendent detailed the comprehensive stabilization plan that has already identified about $132 million in savings.
“Financial stability protects classrooms. It protects educators. It protects opportunity,” Dr. Yearwood said, emphasizing that these cuts were made to stop the bleed and protect the student experience.
Population shifts and the future of our facilities
The superintendent addressed the stark difference between the District’s current facilities and shifting student populations, noting 80% of JCPS buildings are more than 50 years old. He said the deferred maintenance backlog is estimated at $2.5 billion. Meanwhile, the student population in eastern portions of Jefferson County is growing, while the population in western portions of the county is declining.
The District aims to align facilities with the realities of our community to ensure “educational equity for every student” through balanced enrollment and sustainable learning environments.
Every Student, Every Year: a new academic promise
Prioritizing his focus on academics, Dr. Yearwood introduced a new District-wide commitment to Every Student, Every Year. This promise ensures that every student achieves at least one full year of academic growth for every year they attend a JCPS school.
This work is anchored in three commitments:
Safety and Belonging: Ensuring students feel seen and valued.
Academic Excellence and Growth: Supporting every student to reach their full potential.
Care and Support: Educating the whole child through emotional and social support.
Innovation through AI
To prepare students for a changing world, Dr. Yearwood announced the completion of a migration to Google Workspace, integrating Gemini (Google’s advanced AI) into classrooms in a secure, enterprise-level environment. The initiative aims to use technology to remove barriers and empower teachers.
In closing, Dr. Yearwood quoted Frederick Douglas, saying, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” The Superintendent then called on the community to stand with the District as it transitions from stability to momentum.
“We are bigger than the deficit,” Dr. Yearwood concluded. “We are choosing progress over comfort, because this is not about a deficit. It is about destiny.”