LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools is laser focused on a significant budget crisis, with a current deficit of $188 million for the 2025-26 school year.

The district is preparing to identify $132 million in budget reductions for the 2026-27 academic year.

The shortfall comes after several years of reliance on one-time funding sources, including prior budget surpluses, and federal COVID-19 relief dollars – resources no longer available.

Superintendent Brian Yearwood outlined three key principles that will guide the district’s budget decisions:

Minimize Impact on School-Based Salaries – Base daily pay for staff working directly in schools will not be affected.

Central Office Reductions First – Administrative budgets will be the starting point, expected to bear a signific

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