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Parent, Metro Council member share what they hope to do on new JCPS Task Force

Recently, five people have been selected for the panel.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For months, Republican Kentucky lawmakers have been building a new JCPS Task Force.

Recently, five people have been selected for the panel. They have diverse backgrounds, including two Jefferson County Public School( JCPS) parents, a business man, and two Jefferson County Public School educators.

Angela Masden is one parent on the panel.

"I just think we're really just going to sit down and figure out what is the purpose and what we need to do," she said.

The objective and structure of the group hasn't been made clear yet.

Masden is coming to the table with a plan to make the best decision for JCPS families.

Her plan is to "just advocate for the parents that don't get heard, sit down with people and kind of tell them and ask them what is the root cause of all these disconnections...that we're having now." 

RELATED: 'No predetermined outcomes': Kentucky lawmakers seek out applicants for task force examining JCPS

Republican Representative Kim Banta and Republican Senator Mike Nemes will lead the task force, which includes both Republican and Democratic state lawmakers.

In February, WHAS11 asked Representative Kevin Bratcher how the task force would make the district better.

"We're going to look at many different things but the major one is, is Jefferson County Public Schools too big," he said.

During Superintendent Marty Pollio's State of the District address in February, he made it clear he did not want the district to divide.

Outgoing Councilman Phillip Baker, who is also on the task force, said, "it's too early to tell if that's what the intent is, I've heard the same rumors but again the first meeting will be on Monday."

"Hopefully we all can come together, put our heads together look at all the information and make productive and positive results."

Masden said no matter what happens, she's against splitting up the district.

"I do not want to divide the district so I really be trying to make sure that we fix the structure that we have right now," she said.

In a statement JCPS said: 

"We are thankful a JCPS principal and teacher have been appointed to this task force as they know first-hand the important work taking place throughout the District. It is crucial the task force is focused on what is best for all JCPS students. We expect the task force will approach this without any political agenda and their recommendations will be driven solely by the goal of building upon the work the District is already doing to improve educational outcomes and opportunities for all students. While we are happy to travel to Frankfort on Monday, we hope the task force chair will accept our invitation to have meetings at any JCPS school(s) they wish to visit. Task force members should see for themselves the great teaching, learning, and support for families happening in every JCPS school."

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