With the announcement from the DOJ about LMPD, I'd like to bring a few other items to the public's attention by highlighting several examples of abuse of power, lies, fraud, cover-ups that we are aware of, not just in LMPD but also in JCPS. The "patterns and practices" cross over to other departments and other… Continue reading DOJ, Please Look at JCPS Next
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
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
Follow the Science and Keep Us Safe
Someone sent us a copy of the email they sent to their board member and we are sharing it with their permission: Good morning, (Withheld), I had a few things I wanted to add to the message that I sent you via email a couple of days ago. I tried to call the phone number… Continue reading Follow the Science and Keep Us Safe
Aren’t You Tired of It?
I am. I'm tired of people in positions of power ignoring or even disrespecting concerns that are brought forward by authentic JCPS stakeholders. I'm tired of them cherry picking what data or science they follow or even spreading disinformation in order to further their own political agendas. The mask survey that was conducted by the… Continue reading Aren’t You Tired of It?
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?
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
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!
Privatizers In Our Midst
I can't say for sure what makes everyone tick, but what I can do is notice when a person's actions don't align with their words, or when they do things that cause harm to people they claim to be trying to help, despite us literally telling them to their faces that their behaviors are harmful.… Continue reading Privatizers In Our Midst
“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
Don’t Trust Charter Charlatans
Dear Kentucky Senators,Today at 1:00 PM, you will gavel in for day 57 of a 60 day session. Presumably, you will be asked to vote on HB9, the charter school funding mechanism bill, today or tomorrow, before the 10-day VETO period begins, allowing you enough time to override the Governor's veto. I beg you to… Continue reading Don’t Trust Charter Charlatans
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
And It’s Only Monday!
Between the weekend hubbub over the “Russian assets” in teachers’ pensions, to the lawsuit that was announced against JCPS this morning, we haven’t had a moment to rest. Much less process what it all means, but in case you missed it, here is a recap:
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
Hankison Trial
We know everyone's busy and there's a lot going on right now. Much more than usual! So, we wanted to make it easy for anyone who wasn’t able to keep up in real time to find the video of the testimonies given in the trial of one of the LMPD officers involved in the death… Continue reading Hankison Trial
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
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)
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
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
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!
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: 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
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”
“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
“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!”
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.
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
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.
“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
Refuse KPREP!
If there was ever an ideal time for students concerned about educational justice to "opt out" of high stakes testing, this is it! Due to the pandemic, the scores won't count, so why are they being administered at all? Because the federal government threatens to withhold badly needed funding if we don't keep doing things… Continue reading Refuse KPREP!
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
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.
Dear Goldilocks, Enjoy This Week’s Podcast
Fierce and ready with the facts, House Rep. Angie Hatton keeps forked-tongued Damon Thayer in his place while everyone's favorite Senator Morgan McGarvey says what everyone wants to hear. Unshaven Steve Rudy appeared to be a last-minute stand in.
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
UPDATED: Connect The Dots
Dear KY Senators, We've been Sold Out by Our Own Leaders! We need you to check out these slides and listen to the attached audio file before Monday. Thank you, Louisville (and JCPS) Stakeholders, Voters and Taxpayers
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
Where Are JCTA-Endorsed Reps When It Matters?
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”
Will They Kill #HB208?
A Dose of Their Own Medicine, Perhaps House Bill 208 (#HB208), the “back-to-school bill,” started out with good intentions, or so they were led to believe. It was positioned to some legislators as a “funding bill.” They were told districts needed this new language in order for SEEK dollars to follow students because after the… Continue reading Will They Kill #HB208?
“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?”
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
It’s Our Time, JCTA!
JCTA Elections end Wednesday at 5:00 PM. If you are a member, be sure to exercise your vote before the deadline! To make an informed decision, check out all of our resources on our JCTA Members page. In particular, you can read about the 20-Year Timeline of the Teachers' Pensions, and also sign up to… Continue reading It’s Our Time, JCTA!
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
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?
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.
A Brief Primer
Let's begin by laying the foundation. It's January 25, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky, home of Breonna Taylor. Breonna was a graduate of Jefferson County Public Schools. JCPS is three times larger than the second largest school district in the state of Kentucky (nearly 100,000 students), and 29th largest in the country. I am a privileged,… Continue reading A Brief Primer
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
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
It’s Our Time, JCTA!
Join the team that wants to bring transparency, democracy and member representation back to JCTA. Join the team that wants to bring better endorsements, fully funded pensions and racial justice to JCPS. JCTA Members, learn how you can get a free campaign t-shirt and/or yard sign for joining the team. (Allow 2-3 weeks for shipment.)… Continue reading It’s Our Time, JCTA!
Third Time’s A Charm
Or is it? Last month's election for JCTA's political action committee (PAC), better known as Better Schools Kentucky, was not devoid of excitement and intrigue, that's for sure. If you missed it, you are probably not alone. Only those who are familiar with JCTA bylaws would be aware that one would have to call… Continue reading Third Time’s A Charm
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?
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
JCPS VOTERS BE FOREWARNED:
Over the past several months, Chris Kolb failed to return calls or meet with key Coalition for the People's Agenda Education Committee representatives. In a Sept. 2, 2020 email addressed to 12 Black and Black-allied leaders who had expressed objections to not being able to be heard at board meetings since March in order to… Continue reading JCPS VOTERS BE FOREWARNED:
Passing The Buck
This parent writes, Have you ever questioned the JCPS school system? I’m going to share my story with you. Last year we decided to take our youngest son out of JCPS traditional school and put him into a private school. As the school began for this year I started receiving notifications that they had placed… Continue reading Passing The Buck
School Board Candidate WARNING!
If you live in District 7 (see map), or know folks who do, we need your urgent attention! Chris Brady has decided not to seek reelection to Jefferson County's 7-person school board and there is a dangerous candidate hoping to fill his seat. We need your help in making sure this does not happen. Not… Continue reading School Board Candidate WARNING!
Timeline of Recent Events
The public has been denied the opportunity to speak at JCPS board meetings since COVID forced all public meetings to be held virtually in March. On July 16, Gay Adelmann and Tyra Walker met with Dr. Pollio over Zoom, to make him aware that a handful of powerful players were continuing to derail grassroots groups'… Continue reading Timeline of Recent Events
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
At-risk K-3 students should return to in-person learning
Dear JCPS, My name is XXXX and my son is in 2nd grade at XXXX Elementary. I have been carefully watching our county's positivity rate and balancing that against what I believe to be best for my child and I am writing to ask that you please give consideration to having the option of our… Continue reading At-risk K-3 students should return to in-person learning
Where’s The REAP?
A “live REAP” is one of the reasonable demands that is evolving as part of the Coalition for the People’s Agenda. Therefore, it is imperative that the public not be misled about the existence of this document ahead of the anticipated Board vote on the Student Assignment Plan changes on Sept. 29th. Please contact your… Continue reading Where’s The REAP?
Teachable Moment
Not long ago, a JCPS teacher sent an email to staff regarding a message from the Black Student Union. What happened next is a "Teachable Moment." What are your thoughts? Join the conversation in our Private Facebook Group: Dear JCPS Teachable Moments.
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
We, The People, Object!
Dear JCPS Superintendent Pollio, Board Chair Porter and Board of Education Members:During this critical moment in the movement for Black lives, not only across our nation but right here in JCPS, it is unacceptable that JCPS Board Meetings continue via Zoom, without an adequate forum for stakeholders to express our concerns publicly. Since March, the… Continue reading We, The People, Object!
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
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
Teachable Moments
Dear JCPS is proud to launch a new private Facebook group called Dear JCPS Teachable Moments. A lengthier explanation of this new program can be found at the end of this week's episode of Save Our Schools with Dear JCPS. If you suspect a JCPS employee is exhibiting reckless or culturally biased behaviors that could… Continue reading Teachable Moments
Sign The Pledge
https://dearjcps.com/sign-the-pledge/
Figure it out, for the kids!
Dear JCPS, Whether or not you choose to share this message is up to you. I have been a JCPS parent for the last 7 years. 2020 was officially our last year enrolled in JCPS because we moved. As a college educated, working mother of two, I chose to join [Dear JCPS Private Group] to… Continue reading Figure it out, for the kids!
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”
Students and Teachers Are Drowning
Dear JCPS, XXXXXX is a school in need of something. My child attends there and wants to learn but tells me everyday how disrespectful the kids are to teachers and some teachers spend half their class time trying to gain control of the class. My daughter has a class with a teacher who can barely… Continue reading Students and Teachers Are Drowning
Iroquois is NOT on Fire! You Are!
Dear Anonymous, Iroquois is not on fire. You are! Bring your buckets of water if that’s what you think because you’re a liar with your pants on fire. Our school isn’t perfect. You won’t find one that is. Sometimes we have above average challenges and at all times we have an above average staff to… Continue reading Iroquois is NOT on Fire! You Are!
Iroquois is on FIRE
Dear JCPS, I am a teacher at Iroquois High School. We are on fire. The recent news reports only show a very small portion of the absolute hell our school has become. Today (Friday 11/1/19) I witnessed no less than four fights. This is the norm. A kid sat in traffic on Taylor Boulevard. We… Continue reading Iroquois is on FIRE
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!
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
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
District Should Look Into PTA Elections
Shawnee Parent, Carroll Bennett, addresses the JCPS Board of Education on June 11, 2019. Dear JCPS, I am a parent of a recent graduate from the Academy At Shawnee, and I became aware of a situation, not at my child’s school, but at another school that serves a very similar population. I learned that a… Continue reading District Should Look Into PTA Elections
Sign Our Petition!
We Demand a Fair and Transparent PTA Officer Election in Jefferson County, KY! Jefferson County's district-wide PTA (15th District PTA), as well as Kentucky and National PTA, need to hear from you! Sign the petition here. Click to view news article. This section is updated regularly. To have your examples and concerns added, please forward… Continue reading Sign Our Petition!
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
I’m Done Being Silent
By Gay Adelmann With the recent bullying and threats of retaliation against JCPS teachers who stood up for their students and their profession, and the distractions caused by leaders attacking those who are standing up for teachers, instead of pushing back on the bullies, it might be easy to overlook important upcoming opportunities to reshape… Continue reading I’m Done Being Silent
Put Student Assignment First
Watch the video here. Dear JCPS, Our district is headed for a state takeover in 2020 UNLESS we come up with an authentic, community-supported student assignment plan now! We did not escape it. We only postponed it. We know auditors will be back. What are we doing about it? Quietly making minor tweaks to the… Continue reading Put Student Assignment First
Time to go!
Join us! Call for Resignation of JCPS Superintendent! The community of JCPS stakeholders (parents, teachers, staff and community leaders) will come together tomorrow night to issue a vote of "no confidence" in our superintendent's ability to continue to lead our district and ask for her to step down. At least 5 of the 7 JCPS… Continue reading Time to go!
Centerstone Coverups
Nov. 1, 2018, whistleblower files a complaint with the office of civil rights. Four days later, Centerstone announces a new CEO. https://centerstone.org/wp-content/uploads/New-Kentucky-CEO_Press-Release_FINAL_Nov.-5.pdf
When Is A Weapon Not A Weapon?
When a white person is holding it. Whether it's scissors or a disposable razor, if a white person is holding it, it's an art project or a shaving lesson. If it's a Black person using it, it's suddenly a weapon that can destroy students' and educators' careers. If it's a gun, it's still not a… Continue reading When Is A Weapon Not A Weapon?