Magnet Schools of America Review

What is the Magnet Steering Committee?

Approximately 24 committee members (community members, students, and JCPS staff) explore recommendations provided by the Magnet Schools of America (MSA). The committee functions in an advisory capacity by offering insight to district leaders who oversee JCPS optional and magnet programs and schools in order to ensure a variety of equitable, high-quality magnets for students.

What is the Magnet Schools of America report?

MSA contracted with JCPS in 2014 to review the optional and magnet programs and magnet schools and to provide recommendations for improvement. One major recommendation from MSA was to develop a task force, including parents and community members (in addition to JCPS staff), to “… clarify the purpose, mission, and goals of the magnet programs throughout the district.”

When does the full Magnet Steering Committee meet?

The committee meets the third Thursday of every month, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., during the school year. Community members are welcome to attend as observers. These are working sessions for committee members. 

August 18, 2016—Library, Gheens 
September 15, 2016—Library, Gheens 
October 20, 2016—Library, Gheens
November 17, 2016—Library, Gheens
December 15, 2016—Stewart Auditorium, VanHoose Education Center
January 19, 2017—​Library, Gheens Academy
February 16, 2017—Library, Gheens
March 16, 2017—​Library, Gheens
April 20, 2017—Library, Gheens
May 18, 2017—Stewart Auditorium, VanHoose Education Center
June 8, 2017—Stewart Auditorium, VanHoose Education Center

Meeting Minutes

Can I give input to the Magnet Steering Committee?

You are welcome to contact the facilitators, Leslie Taylor or Michael Alexander, to ask questions and give input.

Specific Issues on Which the Steering Committee Has Asked for Input

Options/Magnets Exit Process for Students

  1. Community Conversation on Options/Magnets Exit Process for Students—9/7/2016
    The Magnet Steering Committee held a community conversation to solicit feedback on the current policy and process that magnet schools/programs use when exiting students. Meeting materials can be viewed here:
    PowerPoint Presentation
    Discussion Questions
    Feedback Form
  2. Survey on Options/Magnets Exit Process for Students—9/6/2016 through 9/12/2016
    Click here to take a survey on the current policy and process for exiting magnet students.
  3. Email Feedback—9/6/2016 through 9/12/2016
    Send comments to the following email address: jcps.communications@jefferson.kyschools.us.

Reports and Deliverables

As the work of the Magnet Steering Committee develops, committee members will bring progress reports and deliverables to the Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE). Links to completed reports and materials can be found below.

Progress Update to Board—Work Session, March 8, 2016
Progress Update to Board—Work Session, May 24, 2016