JCPS to Implement Equity Action Plan as Schools Reopen

JCBE received report on plan during its March 9 meeting

JCPS will implement an equity action plan to create greater racial equity as schools prepare to reopen next week. The Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE) heard a report on the plan during its March 9 regular business meeting. 

In addition to outlining the steps that will be taken to address the equitable allocation of funding, resources and supports, Dr. Pollio and his leadership team discussed:

Actions to support the social, emotional, and physical well-being of students and staff;

Work to develop more effective virtual teaching strategies and expanded virtual learning opportunities for students; and

Key components of a long-term equity plan, with a five (5) year outlook.

The presentation was led by JCPS Chief Equity Officer, Dr. John Marshall. Dr. Marshall noted that while NTI has presented significant challenges for many JCPS families, the inherent difficulties of NTI for certain students have been compounded by external factors. This plan was built in collaboration with community partners, employees and families.

To read the JCPS Equity Plan for Reopening Schools, click here.

In other business, the board:

  • Approved temporary pay adjustments for certain in-demand employee categories due to staffing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic:
  • Bus drivers and special needs transportation assistants (SNTA):
  • Differential pay increased from $2.50 per hour to $6.00 (all scheduled contract hours must be worked in the pay period)
  • Bus drivers - summer program transportation:
  • Differential pay of $6.00 per hour added to base hourly rate
  • Custodians:
  • Additional $3.50 per hour added to base hourly rate
  • Nutrition services workers on Salary Schedule IB-Nutrition Services:
  • Differential pay $3.50 per hour added to base hourly rate
  • Substitute teachers:
  • Increase daily rate $20
  • Substitute bus drivers:
  • Bus driver trainees: increases from $17.0010 per hour to $20 per hour
  • Retired bus drivers: increases from $21.6458 per hour to $25 per hour
  • Substitute custodians:
  • Increases from $13.0715 per hour to $16 per hour

For a list of specific positions impacted by these changes and time frames that the adjustments will be effective, click here.

 
  • Discussed Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget priorities.
  • Accepted the award notification from the Kentucky Department of Education for the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund II in the amount of $178,107,468.