LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Before a large crowd at Central High School, Ava Williams told the JCPS Task Force on Tuesday splitting Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) would affect her and other students academically.
"The idea of having a division within JCPS sparks fear, as well as curiosity," said Williams.
She is a junior at Central High School. Williams already feels seen and heard at her school.
In the past, Williams said she's heard JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio publicly share his concern about the district being divided, so she decided to attend the first JCPS Task Force community input meeting.
"It makes sense, it does seem like that's kind of their agenda so that did spark that idea in my mind," Williams said.
RELATED: State task force looking into potential JCPS split hears from superintendent during first meeting
Dozens of JCPS students, staff, parents and community leaders shared their input to the task force. Many expressed concerns about dividing up the district into smaller parts.
Members on the task force paid close attention to the feedback, writing notes. Republican Kentucky Sen. Lindsey Tichenor was asked if the task force is thinking about dividing the district.
"I couldn't say if it's not on the table, but we're looking at everything," she said.
Longtime Kentucky Sen. Gerald Neal, a Democrat, is also a member on the task force. He said it raises questions about legitimacy.
"They should be here asking for recommendations, not coming as a structure that says 'here's what we do based on how we interpret what you say,'" he said.
He felt the board can make the best decisions by listening to the community.
"That doesn't mean good things can't get resolved if we proceed with integrity," Neal said.
Republican Kentucky Sen. Michael Nemes said the JCPS Task Force is not all about splitting the district.
"Our only intention is to do what's best for the students of Jefferson County," he said.
Williams and others left with many unanswered questions, but hoped this feedback can help the board make the right decisions.
"Now I can only hope that they listen to us and take what we said into consideration," said Williams.
The JCPS Task Force is expected to make a final report in December. The next community input meeting will be held Sept. 10 at Male High School.
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