Don’t Rely On Gossip, Find Out About
JCPS Superintendent Candidates For Yourself

The search for a new JCPS superintendent was transparent and inclusive

The board of education for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has done its part and held to the schedule it promised months ago. Over the next few weeks, this community will get to meet and engage with the two finalists for superintendent, and we will soon know who will lead our students, teachers and administrators for the foreseeable future.

There have been strong opinions and many concerns about the search process and who the final candidates should be. Various constituencies have campaigned covertly and overtly for their horse in this race. What we got was the most transparent, inclusive process that we could have asked for — one that yielded two competent and qualified candidates.

Bring an open mind to JCPS superintendent candidates Q&A

The finalists will participate in a final round of public Q&A sessions on Tuesday, May 20. This is our opportunity to objectively evaluate each candidate and make up our minds, not relying on gossip, misinformation or the harmful framing of others. I hope you will show up. I hope you will be open-minded. I pray that you will center the needs of all children in the district in your deliberations.

Regardless of the outcome, the most important question is how we, parents, community members, business leaders, elected officials and local media, will behave. Will we turn our backs or offer only tepid support because we don’t see “our favorite” in either candidate? Or will we be the community of support we have been for Marty Pollio, or proclaimed to be just a few short months ago? I pledge to be the latter.

Join me in a pledge to support JCPS

• I pledge to give JCPS and the next Superintendent the best of me and the best of my organization.
• I pledge to continue or increase the support the district receives from me and my organization.
• I pledge to partner with the district in name and action, using the resources available to expand and enhance educational opportunities for JCPS students.
• I pledge to advocate for, support, and advance just and equitable education policies at the state and local levels. 
• I pledge to work diligently to find positive and productive pathways to success, even through conflict and disagreements. 
• I pledge to support the students, teachers, and administrators of JCPS in creating a welcoming, compassionate, equitable, and educated community of learners inside and outside the school walls.

I ask every Louisvillian, company, leader, and influencer to join me in this pledge. To add your name to the list, simply visit: https://tinyurl.com/Ipledge4JCPS.

The future of JCPS rests not solely on the selection of a superintendent, but on the collective commitment of this community. Let us rise above personal preferences and unite in our support for the chosen leader and, most importantly, for our students. Join me in this pledge. Together, let’s ensure a bright future for Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville, and the commonwealth.

Op-Ed published in the Courier Journal 5/15/2025

About the Louisville Urban League
The Louisville Urban League assists African Americans and those at the margins in attaining social and economic equality and stability through direct services and advocacy. For more information, go to lul.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter  (@louisvilleUL), or Instagram (@LouUrbanLeague).

April 15, 2025

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From the Desk of
Lyndon E. Pryor
President & CEO