The Jefferson County Board of Education in Kentucky is working to stop a new state law that would give the superintendent more control over daily operations. The board argues the law is too broad and gives too much authority to an unelected official, potentially violating parental rights and the Constitution.

Details of the Law

The law in question, Senate Bill 1, was passed in April and vetoed by Governor Andy Beshear, but later overridden by the GOP-majority legislature. It would give Superintendent Brian Yearwood authority over personnel changes, transportation adjustments, and smaller contracts and purchases, as well as sole authority to approve contract and line-item budget transfers up to $250,000 without board approval.

The board is seeking a restraining order to stop Kentucky’s education commissioner from enforcing the law, citing concerns that it could have immense and far-reaching consequences for the district’s nearly 95,000 students. Superintendent Yearwood has also spoken out against the bill, emphasizing that his mission remains focused on providing the best possible education for all students.

Constitutional Concerns

The lawsuit targets Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher and Attorney General Russell Coleman, alleging that the law creates legal uncertainties and may be unconstitutional. The board argues that the law’s language is too vague and sweeping, giving a non-elected official too much control over decisions that were once made by an elected board.

Nearly identical legislation was passed in 2022 and declared unconstitutional by the Jefferson Circuit Court last year. The board is hoping for a similar outcome in this case, citing the importance of protecting parental rights and ensuring that educational decisions are made with the best interests of students in mind.

Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.