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Board Members
Standing:
David Jones, District 2;
Carol Ann Haddad, Vice-Chairwoman, District 6
Diane Porter, Chairwoman, District 1;
Chuck Haddaway, District 4;
Seated:
Chris Brady, District 7;
Debbie Wesslund, District 3;
Linda Duncan, District 5;
Board of Education FAQ
What are the board's responsibilities?
The overall responsibility is to oversee the development, operation, and improvement of JCPS. Specifically, the board's responsibilities include the following:
- Approving high-quality instructional programs
- Reviewing student progress
- Reviewing the educational program
- Appointing the superintendent
- Approving the JCPS annual operating budget
- Approving purchases and contracts
- Accepting contracts for new construction, renovations, and building additions
- Ensuring practices and policies are in agreement with the Kentucky Revised Statutes
- Establishing tax rates
- Performing all duties prescribed by the Kentucky Revised Statutes
Board members may not act independently on official matters. They may act only as a group on board-related decisions.
Since 2000, the Iowa Association of School Boards and the Iowa Schools Foundation have demonstrated through research that school boards have a significant impact on student achievement. Data shows that school boards in high achieving districts are different in what they believe, in what they know and in what they do. This study, known as the Lighthouse Project, also identified five leadership roles of the school board necessary to lead districts as they ensure high levels of student achievement for all students. These leadership roles and examples of actions school boards may take are:
| Leadership Roles of the School Board | |
| 1 | Set clear and high expectations. Truly believe more is possible for your students. Establish a clear focus for improvements |
| 2 | Create the conditions for success. Demonstrate commitment to improvement through board discussion and action. Align all parts of the system around the students learning needs. |
| 3 | Hold the system accountable. Determine indicators (evidence) of progress and success. Routinely monitor, receive reports and ask questions. |
| 4 | Create the public will to succeed. Create awareness of the district needs. Connect with the community. |
| 5 | Learn as a board team. Establish time to learn together as a board/superintendent team. Talk about what is most important - engage in policy development to sustain improvements for all students. |
What are the board's goals?
The board has established several goals for the entire school district:
GOAL 1: Increased Learning
Every student progresses in his or her learning and meets or exceeds proficiency in all subjects.
GOAL 2: Graduation and Beyond
Every student graduates prepared for his or her postsecondary choice — for college or career, and life.
GOAL 3: Stakeholder Involvement/Engagement
Parents, community, and partners enrich students’ educational experiences and support their success.
GOAL 4: Safe, Resourced, Supported, And Equipped Schools
All schools are staffed, resourced, and equipped to support student needs.
Who is my board member?
Our easy-to-use map provides instant information on your representative. Click here
How do I contact a board member?
You can get e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, and phone numbers for members from our Board Member District Map. You also may contact board members by writing P.O. Box 34020, Louisville, KY 40232, or by calling (502) 485-3566.
When and where does the board meet?
Generally, the board holds regular business meetings at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
| 2013 Meeting Schedule All meetings begin at 7 p.m. |
|
| January 14 January 28 February 11 February 25 March 11 March 25 April 22 May 13 May 28* June 10 June 24 |
July 8 August 12 August 26 September 9 September 23 October 14 October 28 November 11 November 25 December 9 |
*Meeting will be held on Tuesday due to Memorial Day
Most meetings are held in the Stewart Auditorium at the VanHoose Education Center, 3332 Newburg Road. Regular meetings are televised live by Insight Communications and can be seen on Cable Channel 98. An interpreter is provided for the hearing impaired. Special meetings may be called anytime by the chairman or by written request from three members to the board's secretary. Notice of a special meeting is sent to local newspapers and to radio and television stations.
Agendas are available at board meetings. You also can get agenda information by calling (502) 485-3342. All meetings are open to the public, but the board may hold a closed Executive Session to discuss the purchase of real estate, proposed or pending lawsuits, collective bargaining, or personnel matters.
What is the meeting format?
Generally, meetings are structured as follows:
- Moment of silence
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Minutes
- Recognitions and resolutions
- Superintendent's reports (People who want to address the board on a specific agenda item will speak when the item is brought forward.)
- Action items
- Discussion items
- Board reports/requests
- People who want to address the board on nonagenda items
- Executive Session (when necessary)
- Adjournment
May I speak at a board meeting?
Yes. The board encourages parents and other members of the community to share their opinions at meetings. Be sure that the issue you want to talk about is one the school board should address. Take complaints or issues concerning a specific school to the principal or to the School-Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council. The purpose of the board is to establish policies for the entire district, not to settle disputes that could be resolved through other channels.
How to speak at a meeting:
- Register with the secretary of the board by calling (502) 485-3342, Mon. through Fri., between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tell the secretary the topic you would like to address. Or you may register on-site at a meeting before it starts.
- You'll have three minutes to address the board. If that isn't enough time, write a letter to the board members or call your representative at (502) 485-3566.
- When you're called to speak at a meeting, approach the microphone and say your name and the name of any organization or group of citizens you're representing.
- Explain your concern, complaint, question, or opinion. Give supporting examples or reasons.
- End your remarks by telling the board members the action you want them to take.
- If you're reading from a script, you may want to provide copies for board members and for the superintendent.
- Avoid repeating similar views of other speakers. In the interest of time, it's best to designate a single spokesperson to represent a group. You can show your numbers by asking those present to stand or simply by telling the board how many belong to your organization.
- Limit your comments to one item or issue.
- Always be polite. Avoid name calling, finger pointing, accusations, or demeaning language.
What are the board's policies?
You can view the Policy Manual. Note: This is a PDF file of nearly 200 pages.
