LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) shared a first look at the Draft Budget for the 2026-27 school year in a public meeting with the Audit and Risk Management Advisory Council (ARMAC) on Wednesday, January 14. The proposal outlines a strategic shift intended to protect classroom instruction while addressing a significant funding gap through central office reorganization and operational efficiencies.
“This is a new day for JCPS, rooted in financial accountability,” Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood said. “To fulfill our duty to students, teachers, families, and taxpayers, we have to make difficult decisions, including eliminating positions and programs that no longer align with our essential obligations as a school district.”
The Draft Budget proposal protects classrooms and sacrifices district office positions, streamlining relationships between schools and District leadership. The cuts in this proposal total $142 million and are outlined below.
$44 million from central office. This includes eliminating about 300 positions and a reorganization of District departments and leadership.
$41 million from school budget funds that are not directly tied to student instruction.
$30 million from ongoing union negotiations. This number will likely change as negotiations proceed.
$13 million from Operations and Transportation.
$9 million from contracts and subscriptions
$5 million from facilities and underutilized assets.
This Draft Budget proposal is the first public step in a lengthy budget process, and will be discussed at several JCBE meetings leading up to the approval of the Working Budget in September.
“We have dedicated staff working every day to provide a quality education to students in Jefferson County, and I want them to know I appreciate their work,” Dr. Yearwood said. “These were difficult decisions to make in our first year together, but it is my responsibility to lead this district responsibly and efficiently, so that we can continue to meet our core responsibilities in educating students.”
JCPS employees whose roles are being eliminated or changed will be notified in advance of May 15, 2026. Employees with questions are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources at (502) 485-3511.
Additional updates and opportunities for feedback will be provided at JCPS.me/budget.