JCPS’ September board meeting started with a mention of a local news story that would air that evening about an increase in students reading books due to the new cell phone policy. Chairman Corrie Shull proceeded to praise students for visiting libraries more frequently and reading more often.
Recognitions
JCPS Chief of Communications and Community Relations Carolyn Callahan presented the recognitions for the night. She began by recognizing the Western Middle School for the Art’s band program. They were honored for being one of the two Kentucky schools invited to perform at the American School Band Directors Association’s National Convention Conference.
Second, Callahan honored Kim Chevilier, Exceptional Child Education Chief, for receiving the 2025 Grissom Award for innovation in special education. She transformed the largest special education program in Kentucky and fostered sustainable systemic improvement within the program.
Next, JCPS Information Technology and Resource Development Division received a $4 million grant to improve cybersecurity. The FCC provided the grant, and JCPS was one of 700 school districts awarded.
The board then honored the Academy at Shawnee boys’ soccer team for their community service efforts. The team mowed and weeded lawns in West Louisville.
A JCPS elementary school student was recognized for attending the NYLF Pathways to STEM program at Vanderbilt University. She attended the program over the summer after being nominated by the staff at Cochran Elementary School.
Furthermore, the board recognized the inaugural class of the Louisville Teacher Residency Program for maintaining certified employment and their newfound eligibility for tenure status.
They also recognized the JCPS Transportation and General Operation Services Division for their successful start to the 2025-26 school year. On the first day of school, JCPS cleared every bus by 6:29 p.m. and by 5:58 p.m. on the second day.
Lastly, the board honored Danica Parker, a bus driver, for her response to a recent incident. A large tree branch fell and shattered the bus windshield as Parker drove 44 students home from Cochran Elementary School. She ensured the students were calm and, despite being injured, refused EMS attention until she was certain every student had been checked by EMS.
All recognitions were approved by the Board.
Reflection on the First Month of School
Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood gave a brief reflection on the success of the first month of school within JCPS. He discussed how he spent much of his time learning about the needs of JCPS students.
“Families want quality teachers in their classrooms, safe schools where every child feels a sense of belonging and the full support system necessary to ensure students have everything they need to thrive. These are not separate goals. They are the foundation of our work,” Yearwood said.
Student Outcomes Focus Governance Update
James Craig presented the first guardrail within the Goals and Guardrails system JCPS is implementing in the 2025-26 school year. Craig discussed how the first guardrail is centered around safety. The goals for accomplishing the protection of safety include monitoring bullying resolution time, monitoring timely maintenance and monitoring staff perceptions of safety. The equitable distribution of disciplinary actions was a particular focus.
“I think one of the first blowups that we had was an investigative report related to the disproportionality that was rampant in this district related to discipline. We don’t need to forget that disproportionality is a consequence of systemic inequities … when we see students of two races treated differently for doing the same thing, we know we have an issue,” Shull said.
The next JCPS board meeting will be held Friday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.
Aya Al Waeli • Sep 4, 2025 at 9:53 pm
good job you guys!!!