LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Trevin Bass and Barbara Lewis sat down at the Southwest Louisville Free Public Library, discussing issues like budget, transportation, and diversity and inclusion.
Bass is a graduate from Seneca High School, and Spaulding University. He's a former Parent Teacher Association President and Vice President for Fundraising. He currently works as a private grants contract coordinator. He said the grants he works with, work for the youth with an effort to stop gun violence, for example.
"My biggest reason why [I'm running] is because instead of just complaining about things, I was taught to get in the ring and make some solutions, instead of just complaining about the problem," said Bass. "I just took that leap of faith and I'm here."
Lewis came to Louisville from Los Angeles, California about 28 years ago and has called it home since. She received her GED at Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and has worked in various areas of the school system, from a bus driver to a teacher. She currently works at Valley Forge High School as the Youth Service Center Coordinator and is getting her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
"I think the dynamics of my background, my life experiences, my education, my fight to gain my education, along with my pastoral ministries, and along with my mental health degree [are] great components to bring richness to the board, as well as working for and advocating for our students," said Lewis.
Both candidates had or currently have students in the school system.
Some joining members of the audience were children, members of "Be Your Own Leader" after school program through Molo Village. The kids had handouts where they took notes and drew pictures of the candidates.
They listened to the candidates and asked questions in this educational experience,
"I think they're bored to death as most people would be because it's not a very entertaining event, but it underscores the importance of staying actively engaged even when you're bored," said director of the after school program, Michelle Pennix.
Amendment Two made its way into the panel discussion, which both candidates are against, saying the amendment would mess with diversity and equity.
The next board will have the responsibility of picking the new superintendent with current superintendent, Marty Pollio's retirement. Bass said he's looking for a candidate who's interested in inclusion and is open to making changes. He said the size of the district shouldn't be a concern for the next superintendent.
"I don't really think the size really should be an issue as long as you have the idea of making things better," said Bass. "As long as your intentions are great, the size really shouldn't matter."
As a state legislative group discusses a possible dividing of JCPS, Bass said he's not a proponent of this. Lewis said she did not know enough about the topic to talk about it.
She did say she believes the next superintendent should have compassion for teachers, parents, and students.
"What [are] his concerns or her concerns for the community dynamics and for our family engagement?" said Lewis. "And how would they address that?"
Lewis believes a more aggressive approach should be taken on transportation issues.
"We have churches," said Lewis. "We have community partners who've already taken the leeway to ensure that members of their community, members of their congregation, their children are getting to school safely. I think that we really need to approach that, I would like to see JCPS approach that situation with more research."
Bass has heard complaints and concerns about arrival times when it comes to transportation.
"At that point, we're making sure we get the drivers," said Bass. "We have the buses. We just want to make sure we have the drivers, make sure that they're safe. They're secured."
Both candidates are hoping to be part of the major changes coming next school year.
A third candidate, Destiny Livers put in her paperwork to run, but told WHAS 11 News, she withdrew from the race.