Let’s not let history define the future of JCPS

James Baldwin's profound assertion that "people are trapped in history and history is trapped in them" permeates the halls and the administrative spaces of the Jefferson County Public School District. This insight is especially pertinent as we consider the legacy of our district's formation—the uneasy merging of the old city and county school districts—which has left us with both challenges and opportunities.

Yet, it is essential to recognize that while history shapes us, it does not define or confine us. We have the power to redefine our trajectory and break free from the past through proactive innovation and a commitment to inclusivity.

Educational access and equity at JCPS

The recent decision by the Jefferson County Board of Education to revise transportation policies for magnet and traditional schools and the Academies of Louisville program has reignited a decades long conversation about educational access and equity.

This issue does not exist in a vacuum; it is deeply entwined with our community's ongoing battle against the shadows of segregation, redlining and socioeconomic divides. The urgency of this debate is magnified by the potential impact on our most vulnerable populations—underscoring the need for solutions that ensure no child's educational opportunities are curtailed by their zip code.

Contrary to the dire predictions spurred by TARC's budget cuts, the Transportation Audit Report from Prismatic Services, Inc. of North Carolina offers a glimmer of hope for the future of JCPS transportation. It suggests that with strategic planning and community engagement, JCPS can overcome the current challenges to maintain—and potentially enhance—student transportation services. These findings and recommendations challenge us to look beyond the surface, to innovate rather than retract, and to find ways to turn logistical obstacles into opportunities for systemic improvement.

JCPS must work with community to support public education

At this pivotal moment, our community has a unique opportunity to redefine what it means to support public education. We envision a transportation system that is not merely a means of getting from point A to point B, but a comprehensive service that supports educational access and enhances community connectivity. Imagine buses that are not only timely and efficient but also spaces of learning and safety, equipped with Wi-Fi and other resources to extend learning beyond the classroom.

To achieve this vision, JCPS must foster a collaborative spirit that transcends boundaries imposed by business-as-usual. This means engaging in genuine partnerships with city officials, business leaders and civic organizations to pool resources, ideas and best practices for implementation. It means listening to the voices of parents and students who live the daily realities of our current transportation system and involving them in the brainstorming process.

Moreover, this is a chance to strengthen our educational framework to be truly inclusive, ensuring that every student, no matter their background, has access to high-quality learning environments and the rich array of programs JCPS offers. It is about creating a system where barriers to access are dismantled and all students have the tools they need to succeed.

This is not just about logistical changes; it is about reaffirming our commitment to educational equity. It is a call to action for every Louisville resident and business to participate in a movement towards inclusivity, innovation and excellence. We must seize this opportunity to craft a legacy of equity— not only for our current students but for generations to come.

Let’s not allow history to define our future. Instead, let’s draw on our rich past to inspire a brighter tomorrow. Together, we can transform JCPS into a beacon of hope and opportunity, reflecting the very best of what we can achieve when we come together for our children's futures. Louisville, let’s embrace this challenge and move forward together, united in our mission to provide a world-class education to every student who walks through the doors of JCPS.

Corrie Shull is the pastor of Burnett Avenue Baptist Church and the chairman of the Jefferson County Board of Education.

SAM UPSHAW JR./COURIER JOURNAL Bates Memorial Baptist Church pastor F. Bruce Williams stands to address the JCPS Board of Education members during a meeting about ending transportation for magnet schools in the district, at the Vanhoose Education Center in Louisville on April 10. Williams wanted the board to table a vote on ending transportation for all magnet schools and implored them to seek other avenues to preserve it.