Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is preparing to change several policies in response to new state laws, including a major shift in authority from the school board to the superintendent.

Policy Updates

JCPS policy administrator Jonathan Lowe said Senate Bill 1 gives the superintendent more control over daily operations, including personnel changes, transportation adjustments, and smaller contracts and purchases. The superintendent will be allowed to make contracts and purchases up to $250,000 without board approval.

Safety is another focus of the proposed changes. JCPS police would have jurisdiction at bus stops, and weapons would be banned there. Superintendent Brian Yearwood called this “a game changer,” saying the district can now take action at bus stops and increase safety.

The new laws would also allow JCPS to discipline students who threaten or intentionally injure school personnel, including expulsion or referral to law enforcement. Yearwood said he does not intend to expel students, but instead will send them to an alternative school while ensuring the educational process continues.

Another proposed change would allow cameras to be installed on school bus stop arms to help enforce fines or other penalties. The JCPS Board will review all of the policy proposals at its meeting next week.

Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.