The Jefferson County Board of Education could see a major shake-up in the upcoming general election if a newly passed bill becomes law.
Senate Bill 4, approved by the Kentucky legislature on April 1, proposes reducing the board from seven elected members to five. The bill now awaits action from Andy Beshear, who can sign it, veto it, or allow it to take effect without his signature. If vetoed, lawmakers could still override his decision.
If enacted, all five board seats would be up for election this November. Where current members live will determine who may run against whom.
How current JCPS board members fit into new districts
The proposed map does not evenly distribute current board members. According to Jefferson County Public Schools GIS analysis:
- Three of the five new districts would each include two current board members
- One district would have no current board member
This guarantees at least one new member will join the board next term, since members must live in the district they represent.
Here’s how members align under the proposed districts:
- Division 1: Gail Logan Strange and Tricia Lister
- Division 3: James Craig and Taylor Everett
- Division 4: Linda Duncan and Trevin Bass
- Division 2: Corrie Shull
- Division 5: No current board member
How many schools are in each district?
Each board member oversees schools within their district, and all districts would expand under the new plan:
- District 4 (central Jefferson County) would have the most with 49 schools
- District 3 (East End) would include 23 schools
- District 2 would have the fewest with 22 schools
All five districts would see an increase in the number of schools they cover.
Who is running for reelection?
If the bill becomes law, all five seats will be contested in November.
- James Craig has said he will not run again, citing eight years of service
- Linda Duncan initially planned to step down but has reversed her decision and will run
- Trevin Bass, elected in 2024, plans to run and could face Duncan in District 4
Bass criticized the bill, calling it a “continuous attack” on Louisville and its students, but said he wants to remain on the board to ensure accountability.
Key election dates
- Candidate filing deadline: June 2
- General election: November 3
School board races are nonpartisan and do not appear on the May primary ballot.
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