Jefferson County public schools slashing budget

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Jefferson County Public Schools will cut $150 million from its budget over the next two years in an effort to manage rising costs and looming deficits.

Superintendent Marty Pollio says the district will cut $100 million from the 2025–26 budget and another $50 million the following year. He noted that while the first round of cuts is unlikely to directly affect schools, the second round will be more difficult.

Cost-saving measures include delaying the replacement of school buses, postponing new turf field projects, and pausing contracts with the Urban League—moves expected to save $8.5 million alone.

Some JCPS board members acknowledged that a tax increase may be on the table down the line to maintain services and avoid deeper cuts to classrooms.