JCPS board members vote to end magnet transportation for all but two high schools

Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

The Jefferson County Board of Education sparked outrage in the community after voting to end busing for most magnet students, a decision that will affect over 14,000 students. The vote, which was made without public input, will result in 4-5 million minutes of lost instruction time compared to over 12 million under the current system.

While Central High, Western High, Grace James, and W.E.B. DuBois academies will continue to receive transportation, the majority of magnet students will now have to find private transportation or enroll in their reside school. This has raised concerns about racial equity and the transportation department’s role in decision-making.

The meeting where the decision was made was contentious, with community members, employees, and officials expressing displeasure. Board members were split along racial lines, and one official had to be escorted out after a confrontation.

The lack of alternatives to the current system has caused backlash, with the NAACP calling for the resignation of Superintendent Pollio and some board members amid a crisis in leadership and trust. The decision has left many questioning the Board’s decision-making process and its impact on the education and well-being of students.

As the community continues to voice its concerns and opposition, the Board of Education will need to address the fallout from this controversial decision. The future of magnet student transportation in Jefferson County remains uncertain, leaving many families scrambling to find solutions for their children’s education.