Accountability, Pattern or Practice, Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity

Make Parents a (Legislative) Priority

Dear JCPS,   I first started speaking at board meetings in 2013. We have always tried to be an ally to this board. We worked to support your efforts to remove an ineffective leader. We organized to replace a board member who gave her cover. https://youtu.be/GFFzB9HBAmM (Watch the 3 minute speech here.) Throughout the years… Continue reading Make Parents a (Legislative) Priority

Accountability, Pattern or Practice, Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity, Safe Return to School

All Eyes on JCPS

Friends, JCPS is having a board meeting tonight, starting at 6 PM. Meanwhile, the folks who have been using JCPS Board meetings and dogwhistles to recruit and mobilize for their hate group continue to put pressure on board members.  This is not hyperbole. They've already tried and failed a couple of times. Following the August… Continue reading All Eyes on JCPS

Pattern or Practice, Privatization of Public Education, Safe Return to School, Standardized Testing, Teacher Shortage

What’s in a Tweet?

On Wednesday, June 29, 2022, I was lured to Twitter by a random notification that Louisville's illustrious junior education reporter had Tweeted something we all needed to keep our eyes on. Turns out, it was about me, or so I thought. The tweet read,  https://twitter.com/oliviakrauth/status/1542309944795471878?s=20&t=FvhdBehI64RmSep3Xq4CzA Aware that I had at least two examples of a… Continue reading What’s in a Tweet?

Pattern or Practice, Racial Equity, Student Assignment

A Year Later, More Retribution

FROM THE ARCHIVES Below is an email I sent, as well as a disappointing response I received, following a meeting we had with Dr. Pollio and Amy Dennes regarding offering parking and a shuttle for families attending Showcase of Schools in 2017. From: Gay Adelmann [mailto:gadelmann@gmail.com]Sent: Monday, October 16, 2017 9:33 AMTo: marty.pollio@jefferson.kyschools.org; Dennes, Amy P <amy.dennes@jefferson.kyschools.us>Subject: Fwd: We… Continue reading A Year Later, More Retribution

District Boundaries, EARN the People's Vote, Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity, Standardized Testing

Run for JCPS School Board!

Four of the seven JCPS Board of Education seats are up for grabs this November. If you've been thinking you would like to see things done differently in JCPS, this may be your chance to find someone to run for school board in your area, or maybe even file to run yourself! The deadline to… Continue reading Run for JCPS School Board!

Privatization of Public Education

“By Just One Vote” – Organized Crimes of the Kentucky Legislature

What else do you call it when the party in supermajority power continues to pass wildly unpopular legislation by just one vote? It certainly feels coordinated. As if everyone knows their part. Whether it's the confirmation of Gary Houchens in 2019 (Sen. Julie Raque Adams - District 36 in Jefferson County), or the passage of… Continue reading “By Just One Vote” – Organized Crimes of the Kentucky Legislature

Admin, Pattern or Practice, Racial Equity

After the Sit In at Central High School

The sound cut out during our livestream, but I was able to reconstruct it for you here. Please watch and share.   https://youtu.be/2RsWeJQgg-o If you feel you may have witnessed or experienced what may amount to a pattern or practice of discrimination in JCPS, bullying or coverups, or retaliation for reporting it, please complete our… Continue reading After the Sit In at Central High School

#Louminati, Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity, Teacher Shortage

Complaint Filed with OEA

To every rumor, there is a seed of truth.   Better Schools Kentucky (BSK) is the Political Action Committee (PAC) that decides who to endorse for state and local elections and where to spend resources and campaign contributions. We are aware of several abnormalities regarding the selection of those who are chosen to serve on… Continue reading Complaint Filed with OEA

Budget, District Boundaries, EARN the People's Vote, Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity

KY Supreme Court Hears JCPS Tax Increase Case

In the midst of everything else going on, on February 17, 2022, the Kentucky Supreme Court heard the arguments for and against the tax increase appearing on the ballot in November of 2020. Watch the KET recording here: https://www.ket.org/program/kentucky-supreme-court-coverage/kentucky-supreme-court-coverage-185814/ Below is a summary by WFPL Reporter, Jess Clark. https://wfpl.org/ky-supreme-court-hears-arguments-in-jcps-tax-case/ The Court did not give an… Continue reading KY Supreme Court Hears JCPS Tax Increase Case

Racial Equity, Teachable Moment

NFL = Not For (much) Long(er)

On Feb. 2, 2022, Brian Flores sued the NFL and three teams -- the Dolphins, Broncos and Giants -- alleging discrimination regarding his interview processes with Denver and New York and his firing last month by Miami. The 58-page lawsuit was filed in Manhattan federal court Tuesday and seeks class-action status. Flores alleges he was "treated with disdain and held out as… Continue reading NFL = Not For (much) Long(er)

Police Free Schools, Racial Equity

HB63 Fails to Consider Black Experiences

As I sat and listened to a replay of Tuesdays' House Education Committee Hearing where HB 63 was FINALLY heard after three false starts, and white lawmakers shared testimonies of their favorable experiences with SROs, I couldn’t help but notice one thing. Not one of them put themselves in the shoes of Black people when… Continue reading HB63 Fails to Consider Black Experiences

Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity

The Systematic Dismantling of Kentucky’s Public Schools Is Happening Right Now

Senate Bill 1, a title reserved for the bill of the highest priority, passed the Kentucky Senate in a rare Saturday session, just 5 days into this year's 60-day General Assembly. It is a heinous bill that undoes key components of KERA and puts the final nail in the SBDM coffins. The archived file is… Continue reading The Systematic Dismantling of Kentucky’s Public Schools Is Happening Right Now

Racial Equity

Bring “The Other America: An Anne Braden Story” to your school or venue!

The Squallis Puppeteers has a new puppet show out and it's super timely. And if you're one of the lucky winners, you could host an in-person screening at your school or venue. See our entire 1-hour interview or watch the 1-minute preview below, then click the link to find out how to enter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBusHB1aPo8 Click… Continue reading Bring “The Other America: An Anne Braden Story” to your school or venue!

Police Free Schools, Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity

White Female Domestic Terrorist Threatens Black Mother, Causing JCPS School Board Meeting to Be Abruptly Canceled

LOUISVILLE, KY  - There were over 30 individuals signed up as guest speakers at Tuesday night’s school board meeting, but only about six were able to be heard before the chaos erupted after a white women, who had come at the invitation of Beanie Geohegan, a known right-wing radical, changed her seat in order to… Continue reading White Female Domestic Terrorist Threatens Black Mother, Causing JCPS School Board Meeting to Be Abruptly Canceled

Pattern or Practice, Racial Equity

Pattern or Practice: Falsified Reports

In solidarity with the four brave female US Olympic gymnasts who testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, we are releasing more details of a situation we became aware of last year. We want victims to know they are not alone.   As we continue our series on “patterns or practices” of wrongdoing in… Continue reading Pattern or Practice: Falsified Reports

Pattern or Practice, Police Free Schools, Racial Equity, Safe Return to School

White Teacher to Student: “You’re Just Going to Be Another Black Boy Shot”

A top story out in today's Courier-Journal reveals a sordid history of abuse, misconduct and denial, inside and outside of the classroom for William Bennett, the Science teacher at Moore High School who was recently involved in an altercation with a student after telling him he was just going to be "another Black boy shot."… Continue reading White Teacher to Student: “You’re Just Going to Be Another Black Boy Shot”

Privatization of Public Education, Safe Return to School

“Caught in the Middle”: Huge Discrepancies Found in JCPS COVID Dashboard

As COVID cases continue to spike in Jefferson county and across the country, amidst a newly reported outbreak in respiratory virus infections, as well, Jefferson County's public school system is no exception. Add to the mix a vindictive Kentucky GOP supermajority that plotted and schemed with the likes of one-term governor, Matt Bevin, to pursue… Continue reading “Caught in the Middle”: Huge Discrepancies Found in JCPS COVID Dashboard

Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity

“Listen to the Black People!”

During a recent press conference, hosted by the Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, a heckler began talking loudly to the crowd while one of our local community leaders, Vincent Gonzalez, was speaking. The press conference, which was held at Central High School ahead of the July 27, 2021 JCPS School Board Meeting, focused… Continue reading “Listen to the Black People!”

Racial Equity

More intel on the white supremacists who have been storming local school board meetings in Kentucky.

After individuals carrying symbols suggesting they were affiliated with neo-Nazi hate groups and insurrectionists stormed the June 29 JCPS Work Session, some of these same folks were spotted at the Oldham County School Board meeting the following Monday night.  These bad actors are not the "stakeholders" they pretend to be.  Many of the grassroots organizations… Continue reading More intel on the white supremacists who have been storming local school board meetings in Kentucky.

Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity, Teachable Moment

Radical Right-Wing Groups Have Infiltrated JCPS Organizations and Are Spreading Misinformation

A coalition is forming! Join us as we band together to fight the latest attacks on public education and our people as lawmakers nationwide attempt to deny the right of every student to learn an accurate and comprehensive US History. Sign up for our email list to get updates on meetings, strategies and other ways… Continue reading Radical Right-Wing Groups Have Infiltrated JCPS Organizations and Are Spreading Misinformation

Accountability, Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity

NOW PLAYING: That time JCPS leaders conspired to vote an anti-racist off the district-wide Executive PTA Board.

#PatternOrPracticeJCPS Series Now playing on Soundcloud, this week's episode of Save Our Schools With Dear JCPS is part of our new "Pattern or Practice" Series. This series features historical records from the Audio Archives tab. These podcasts attempt to tell the true stories of what really happened behind the scenes in JCPS as we continue… Continue reading NOW PLAYING: That time JCPS leaders conspired to vote an anti-racist off the district-wide Executive PTA Board.

Accountability, Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity

“Duty of Obedience” in JCPS Organizations’ Bylaws Promotes “Pattern or Practice” of Discrimination

Dear JCPS is publishing this piece as part of a series dedicated to identifying patterns or practices of discrimination in JCPS. To sign our petition to encourage the US Department of Justice to investigate JCPS and its outside entities, please click here. At this moment, JCTA PR's (Professional Representatives, also known as "building representatives") are… Continue reading “Duty of Obedience” in JCPS Organizations’ Bylaws Promotes “Pattern or Practice” of Discrimination

Accountability, Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity

Pattern or Practice of Discrimination in JCPS

A new section of our website has been created to archive evidence and provide real-life examples of systemic or institutionalized racism within JCPS that have been documented by our group's organizers. Some of these patterns include: Second-hand racism/retaliation. Impossible/competing tasks. Manufactured evidence. Rigged elections. Denied or delayed responses to claims of discrimination. Some of the… Continue reading Pattern or Practice of Discrimination in JCPS

Accountability

Proposed JCTA bylaws changes make “witchhunts” easier, among other things.

Jefferson County Teachers' Association leadership has put together some proposed changes to their bylaws. These changes appear to include language that will make it easier for the status quo to hold on to their power and silence anyone who dare speak up. These tactics are eerily similar to those employed by the 15th District (Jefferson… Continue reading Proposed JCTA bylaws changes make “witchhunts” easier, among other things.

#Louminati, Accountability, Privatization of Public Education

ON THE TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY: Sickouts vs. Sellouts

A behind the scenes look at Kentucky's modern education reform history. The day was March 28, 2019. It was the last day of a 30-day legislative session. Teachers in the state's largest school district, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) had just successfully "sicked out" six of the last seven days legislature was in session. I… Continue reading ON THE TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY: Sickouts vs. Sellouts

Accountability

Join Us In Frankfort Monday and Tuesday

#LetTheVetoesStand #KYGA21 Bring Your Own Tables and Chairs BBQ from Red Barrel BBQ Ice Cream from Latonia Bland Entertainment and Speakers Caravans and Protests FREE! - ALL WELCOME - DONATIONS APPRECIATED For more information, visit www.thepeoplesagenda.net. Connect The Dots (Updated Powerpoint) You can also listen to this week's podcast here: https://soundcloud.com/wfmp-forward-radio/3-25-21-house-bill-563-and-the-frankfort-rally-on-march-29-2021?in=wfmp-forward-radio/sets/save-our-schools-with-dear And prior relevant podcasts… Continue reading Join Us In Frankfort Monday and Tuesday

#Louminati, Privatization of Public Education

Gluttonous House Rep Shits Where He Eats, Accepts “Gift”

I was going to call this piece, "Wife of JCTA-Endorsed Legislator Receives Gift of Coveted JCPS Teaching Position Despite Continuously Crafting, Endorsing and Voting for Legislation that Harms JCPS Students and Taxpayers" but it took up too much space as a headline. This piece is about Jason Nemes, who serves in the Kentucky State House… Continue reading Gluttonous House Rep Shits Where He Eats, Accepts “Gift”

Accountability

“Friendly Incumbent” or “Friendly Fire?”

Today at 5 PM, Jefferson County Teachers’ Association (JCTA) triennial general elections will draw to a close. Following a contentious campaign cycle, a diverse group of teacher members vying for more than a dozen open seats on the Board, (including the four key leadership positions of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer), will learn how… Continue reading “Friendly Incumbent” or “Friendly Fire?”

Accountability

Terrible Endorsements Are Nothing New

You may remember the recent flak JCTA's political action committee received when they stuck to their endorsement of Jason Nemes.  https://twitter.com/oliviakrauth/status/1318677202427383808 You may also be aware that same JCTA-endorsed candidate is now chairing an committee to impeach our public school friendly governor. He also voted for charter schools and the infamous "sewer bill." But terrible… Continue reading Terrible Endorsements Are Nothing New

Accountability, Privatization of Public Education

JCTA blocked transparency of private money (equity) contracts

In 2016, according to a post made by JCTA member and candidate for JCTA Vice President, Randy Wieck,  JCTA blocked transparency of the private money (equity) contracts, so-called "proprietary", in 2016 (see bottom of Action from 2016). The private money firms divulge what they choose, and charge what they like, and this cannot be revealed… Continue reading JCTA blocked transparency of private money (equity) contracts

Accountability, Privatization of Public Education, Safe Return to School

Are Teachers’ Pension Assets Tied to the Insurrection?

In a recent letter from ACRE, https://acrecampaigns.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Letter-to-Schwarzman.pdf A Huge Wall Street Scandal Just Exploded In Kentucky Jacobin Magazine, July 22, 2020 Kentucky sues Blackstone and KKR over fund performance Financial Times, July 22, 2020 Lawmakers Push To Defund The Insurrection Legislators request review of pension investments flowing to Wall Street firms whose execs funded groups… Continue reading Are Teachers’ Pension Assets Tied to the Insurrection?

Accountability

What They’re Not Telling You.

JCTA officer elections quietly come around every three years. Tomorrow will kick off the next triennial 8-day popularity contest. Their long-standing President, Brent McKim, has a Black female challenger. Incumbent Vice President, Tammy Berlin, seeking her third term, has a Black male challenger. The Treasurer slot is being sought by a vocal critic of McKim’s… Continue reading What They’re Not Telling You.

Accountability, Privatization of Public Education

Teachers Pension’s Swan Song

KY House Bill 5 - fast tracked through the Kentucky House and Senate with little fanfare earlier this month - is an ALEC-styled bill that will prohibit Kentucky's governor from reorganizing boards and commissions. It was vetoed by Governor Beshear last week, while the legislature is in recess. His veto is expected to be overturned… Continue reading Teachers Pension’s Swan Song

Accountability

Botched BSK Election

The recent election for Better Schools Kentucky, a political action committee within the teacher's union, which endorses candidates and directs member dues money to candidates for key legislative and school board seats, uncovered numerous anomalies and programming concerns with the union's antiquated electronic ballot system. Candidates asking too many questions created an avalanche of more… Continue reading Botched BSK Election

Safe Return to School

Could You Make A List?

Illustration for Dramatic purposes:   Let’s say there’s a school district somewhere that has approximately 18,000 employees and 95,000 students.    Now, let’s imagine if everyone in that district caught COVID-19.   Since we know approximately 1 in every 50 people who catches COVID dies, that would mean somewhere around 360 employees and 1,900 students… Continue reading Could You Make A List?

Accountability, District Boundaries, Police Free Schools, Privatization of Public Education, Student Assignment, Teacher Shortage

Re: Student Assignment Plan Proposal

This message was sent via email to Board Member James Craig on Dec. 1, 2020, ahead of the Work Session on the Student Assignment Plan proposal discussion. Good evening, James, I wanted to reach out as your constituent, first to congratulate you on the tremendous strides toward equity and racial justice that the district is… Continue reading Re: Student Assignment Plan Proposal

Accountability, EARN the People's Vote, Teachable Moment

Daquan’s First Weapons Charge

A true story about microaggressions, racism and feeding the pipeline to prison. "Dear JCPS, Before I start to disclose the contents of the topic of this letter, I want to state that everything in this letter is a FACT!  Not some hypothetical situation.  Not some situation that happened somewhere else in America (although it could… Continue reading Daquan’s First Weapons Charge

Accountability, EARN the People's Vote, Student Assignment, Teachable Moment

Dear JCPS Severs Ties with AROS

When efforts to reconcile differences over support of West End and Black families continued to break down, Dear JCPS was left with no other option than to withdraw from the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, Louisville. Full story. "Instead, Dear JCPS is honored to be working with the Kentucky Alliance Education Committee on their revival… Continue reading Dear JCPS Severs Ties with AROS

EARN the People's Vote

JCPS Education Advocates Hold Virtual Teacher Forums

BY ASHLEIGH MILLS (SPECTRUM NEWS) KENTUCKY PUBLISHED 11:00 PM ET AUG. 10, 2020 LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Education advocacy groups in Jefferson County are meeting behind the scenes with teachers to gather input while crafting a growing list of safety demands for Jefferson County Schools.  On Monday, Dear JCPS, Save Our Schools, and other advocates participated in a… Continue reading JCPS Education Advocates Hold Virtual Teacher Forums

Uncategorized

3 Things You Can Do Today

https://youtu.be/l5T0PPqJ_aU   After watching this week's episode of Save Our Schools with Dear JCPS... Complete the survey to let district leaders know your thoughts on safely returning to in-person school. Sign the pledge to stand with JCPS Grassroots Organizations as they stand up for our most vulnerable students. Join KEU to stay up-to-date with the… Continue reading 3 Things You Can Do Today

Accountability, Behavior/Discipline, District Boundaries, Privatization of Public Education, Standardized Testing, Student Assignment, Teacher Shortage, Vision: 2020

Educational Justice With “E’s”

This is a DRAFT of our legislative priorities for 2020. We want your input! Please help us rank them and provide examples of each of the categories listed below. Suggested edits and additions also welcome. ACHIEVING EDUCATIONAL JUSTICE in JCPS “with E’S” FROM OUR JCPS BOARD MEMBERS & SUPERINTENDENT, we demand: EVIDENCE-BASED education practices Realistic… Continue reading Educational Justice With “E’s”

Accountability, Uncategorized

Big Win for the Little Guys!

Louisville Judge sides with Dear JCPS co-founder. Orders JCPS to release PTAs' financial records to the public. "In these challenging times, as educators and decision makers explore the glaring inequities in our district and seek ways to resolve them, Dear JCPS wants to make sure every student has an advocate in their corner -- especially… Continue reading Big Win for the Little Guys!

Accountability, Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity

15th District PTA is Mired in Controversy

Below are some quick links to some of the recent blog posts, board speeches, member letters and news stories regarding the 15th District PTA. Dire Warning From a Louisville Public School Mom - Blog postThe PTA Revolving Door - And a from the floor candidate - News storyThe Board’s Role in Oversight of External Organizations… Continue reading 15th District PTA is Mired in Controversy

Accountability, Privatization of Public Education, Racial Equity

The Board’s Role in Oversight of External Organizations

https://youtu.be/KI7n3d70XkM Dear JCPS, I understand JCPS legal counsel has issued a “hands off” directive regarding oversight of external organizations. And hand’s off is fine as long as principals and administrators are told the same thing.  But they’re not, and that’s problematic. I understand that we are under intense scrutiny from the state. Criticism from the audit… Continue reading The Board’s Role in Oversight of External Organizations

Accountability

Why I Decided to “Run From the Floor” for the District-wide PTA Board

And Why We Are Asking Members of the JCPS Board of Education for Their Help Click on the image to sign the petition. Dear JCPS, Thank you for your time! My name is XXXXXX XXXXXXXX. I am a parent of students that attend XXXXXXX and XXXXXXX Middle. I am writing this letter to make you… Continue reading Why I Decided to “Run From the Floor” for the District-wide PTA Board