Building on a legacy of leadership
The Louisville Board of Education was established in 1828. Early members established a legacy of commitment to educational leadership, community responsibility, and child advocacy. Today, members of the Jefferson County Board of Education are committed to maintaining and building on that legacy as JCPS grows to meet new needs throughout our communities.
Board Members
Standing: Joseph L. Hardesty, Chair, District 4; Larry Hujo, District 7. Stephen P. Imhoff, Vice Chair, District 2. Seated: Ann V. Elmore, District 1; Carol Ann Haddad, District 6; Debbie Wesslund, District 3; Linda Duncan, District 5.
Meeting agenda 6 23 08 (pdf)
Board of Education FAQ
What are the board's responsibilities?
How do I contact a board member?
When and where does the board meet?
May I speak at a board meeting?
What are the board's policies?
What are the board's responsibilities?
The overall responsibility is to oversee the development, operation, and improvement of JCPS. Specifically, the board's responsibilities include:
- Approving high-quality instructional programs
- Reviewing student progress
- Reviewing the educational program
- Appointing the superintendent
- Approving the JCPS annual operating budget
- Approving purchases and contracts
- Accepting contracts for new construction, renovations, and building additions
- Ensuring practices and policies are in agreement with the Kentucky Revised Statutes
- Establishing tax rates
- Performing all duties prescribed by the Kentucky Revised Statutes
Board members may not act independently on official matters. They may act only as a group on board-related decisions.
What are the board's goals?
The board has established several goals for the entire school system:
- All JCPS students will become critical thinkers and lifelong learners who are academically prepared in a racially integrated environment to be successful in the post-secondary education programs or careers of their choice.
- All JCPS students will be safe, supported, respected, and confident in racially integrated schools, classrooms, and student activities.
- All JCPS parents and community members will be urged and welcomed to actively participate in the education of our students.
- All JCPS employees will contribute to and be accountable for the success of our students through higher levels of performance in supportive work environments.
Who is my board member?
Our easy-to-use interactive map provides instant information on your representative.
Click here
How do I contact a board member?
You can get e-mail addresses, mailing address, and phone numbers for members through our interactive map. You also may contact board members by writing P.O. Box 34020, Louisville, KY 40232, or by calling (502) 485-3566.
When and where does the board meet?
Generally, the board holds regular business meetings at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
2008 Meeting Schedule
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January 14 |
July 14 |
Most meetings are held in the Stewart Auditorium at the VanHoose Education Center, 3332 Newburg Road. Regular meetings are televised live by Insight Communications and can be seen on Cable Channel 98. An interpreter is provided for the hearing impaired. Special meetings may be called anytime by the chairman or by written request from three members to the board's secretary. Notice of a special meeting is sent to local newspapers and to radio and television stations.
Agendas are available at board meetings. You also can get agenda information by calling (502) 485-3342. All meetings are open to the public, but the board may hold a closed Executive Session to discuss the purchase of real estate, proposed or pending lawsuits, collective bargaining, or personnel matters. Click here for 2006 Schedule.
What is the meeting format?
Generally, meetings are structured like this:
- Moment of silence
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Minutes
- Recognitions and resolutions
- Superintendent's reports (People who want to address the board on a specific agenda item will speak when the item is brought forward.)
- Action items
- Discussion items
- Board reports/requests
- People who want to address the board on non-agenda items
- Executive Session (when necessary)
- Adjournment
May I speak at a board meeting?
Yes. The JCPS Board of Education encourages parents and other members of the community to share their opinions at meetings. Be sure the issue you want to talk about is one the school board should address. Take complaints or issues concerning a specific school to the principal or to the SBDM (School-Based Decision-Making) Council. The purpose of the board is to establish policies for the entire District, not to settle disputes that could be resolved through other channels.
How to speak at a meeting:
- Register with the secretary of the board by calling (502) 485-3342, Mon. through Fri., between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tell the secretary the topic you would like to address. Or you may register on-site at a meeting before it starts.
- You'll have three minutes to address the board. If that isn't enough time, write a letter to the board members or call your representative at (502) 485-3566.
- When you're called to speak at a meeting, approach the microphone and say your name and the name of any organization or group of citizens you're representing.
- Explain your concern, complaint, question, or opinion. Give supporting examples or reasons.
- End your remarks by telling the board the action you want them to take.
- If you're reading from a script, you may want to provide copies for board members and for the superintendent.
- Avoid repeating similar views of other speakers. In the interest of time, it's best to designate a single spokesperson to represent a group. You can show your numbers by asking those present to stand or simply by telling the board how many belong to your organization.
- Limit your comments to one item or issue.
- Always be polite. Avoid name-calling, finger pointing, accusations, or demeaning language.
What are the board's policies?
You can view the Policy Manual. Note: This is a PDF file of nearly 200 pages.
