Beshear vetoes JCPS task force resolution, calls it unconstitutional
Just more than a week after legislators voted to pass a resolution to create a JCPS task force, Gov. Andy Beshear has vetoed it.
The Kentucky Senate passed House Concurrent Resolution 81 on March 30, which was set to study the size of JCPS and how the district operates.
Beshear vetoed the bill on Monday, saying: "It is unconstitutional special legislation that is aimed at one public school district in Kentucky. The concurrent resolution is the General Assembly's latest attempt to set the framework for the legislature to divide the Jefferson County Public Schools district. That should be a local decision by citizens of Jefferson County, not by legislators from non-Jefferson County school districts."
Splitting up JCPS has been a contention among legislators following the district's bus debacle this year, along with its ongoing transportation problems.
The force was set to be comprised of 13 members, including three from the House and Senate each, two JCPS parents, a business expert, Mayor Craig Greenberg, State Auditor Allison Ball, a JCPS teacher, and a JCPS principal appointed by Superintendent Marty Pollio.
The task force would determine if any changes need to be made, which could include splitting up JCPS.
Pollio has voiced opposition to splitting up the district.
Beshear's veto can be overridden when lawmakers return to Frankfort on April 12 and 15 to wrap up this year's legislative session.