LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) -- For the first time, Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Marty Pollio is responding to the education changes in Frankfort
It comes after the Kentucky Education Commissioner was ousted, and new members were appointed to the board.
Dr. Pollio urging his employees to quote, "block out the noise."
Since Dr. Pollio took over as the JCPS Superintendent he has made it a point to routinely send out letters of encouragement to district employees asking them to keep up the positive momentum.
“We’ve had major challenges,” said Dr. Marty Pollio. “There’s no doubt it has been a challenging year.”
Twenty-four hours after a major shakeup in Frankfort, Superintendent Marty Pollio reached out to every JCPS employee to address moves which he called unsettling.
“I think people right now, especially in Jefferson County, are concerned about the future and a little bit unsettled,” said Dr. Pollio. "That’s challenging and difficult. It was important for me to send a positive message.”
Some of that concern stems from the ongoing state audit, which JCPS board member Chris Brady said was headed towards a recommendation of State Assistance, but Dr. Pollio says that’s not the case.
“We weren’t provided with any audit report or anything of that nature, but we did have discussions,” said Dr. Pollio. “I will say we left there feeling very positive about the future of JCPS.”
But the question in the minds of many is with seven new members of state board, and a new Education Commissioner, could those talks have been for naught?
“We felt like we were at the very end of the road and coming to what was going to be an audit report given to us in the near future that was going to let us know what we needed to correct, and what we needed to do to move forward in collaboration with KDE,” said Dr. Pollio. “I’m confident that they have seen the progress that we’ve made, and the collaboration that we’ve had with them. They’ll share that as we move forward.”
One thing that Dr. Pollio says could work in favor of the district, and even expedite the process, is that while changes have been made in Frankfort the staff auditing JCPS remains the same.
“There is really a renewed hope for the future of this district in that we will be a great district,” said Dr. Pollio. “I think that will be seen from the people at the Kentucky Department of Education. I feel confident that the results will be positive.”
Dr. Pollio says he has yet to speak with Dr. Wayne Lewis since he was appointed as the new Kentucky Department of Education Commissioner, though the two have met in the past.
He says he looks forward to showing him the positive steps the district has taken over the last year.
Below is a letter Pollio wrote to JCPS employees on Thursday:
"Dear JCPS Colleagues:
I want to take this opportunity to check in with you after what has been a tumultuous few weeks for public education employees and stakeholders in the Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) district and for our fellow educators across Kentucky.
I know that the recent environment has been challenging. As you probably know, I have spent 21 years in this district and I love this district and our students. I know you do to, which is what makes this so difficult for all of us who’ve dedicated our professional lives to educating JCPS students. I want you to know how much I appreciate your professionalism, your commitment to this district and your passion for educating our students. I am extremely proud to be your superintendent.
This week’s developments regarding the state audit and change in leadership at the Kentucky Department of Education are unsettling, but I want you to know that I am committed to leading this district and implementing the improvement plan that we’ve worked together to develop. I believe that although we have a lot of work to do, that in collaboration with all of our employees and our board, we are on the right track to making this a great school district. I appreciate your support and words of encouragement. I know I can count on each of you over the next six weeks to focus on our students and our priorities.
Our leadership team and principals recently read a leadership book called “The Power of Positive Leadership” by Jon Gordon. I also believe in the power of reading collectively. In Gordon’s work, there is one passage that I have leaned on through the many difficult times that I have encountered this year. I hope you do the same.
“Be so invested in your craft that you don’t have time to listen to the naysayers. No time for negativity. You’re too busy creating the future. I want to encourage you to never let the opinion of others define you and your future. Your identity doesn’t come from what the world says about you. It comes from who you are on the inside. Your work, leadership, and mission are too important to allow others to define your destiny.
No matter what anyone says, show up and do the work.
If they praise you, show up and do the work.
If they criticize you, show up and do the work.
If no one even notices you, show up and do the work.
Just keep showing up, doing the work, and leading the way.
Lead with passion.
Fuel with optimism.
Have faith.
Power up with love.
Maintain hope.
Be stubborn.
Fight the good fight.
Refuse to give up.
Ignore the critics.
Believe in the impossible
Show up.
Do the work.
You’ll be glad you did.
True grit leads to true success.”
I love my job, and I know you love your jobs and our students. You have my support and your efforts are appreciated. Let’s finish out the school year strong, and I will continue fighting for this district and our students.
Once again, I’m proud to be the superintendent of an incredible group of educators.
Marty Pollio, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Jefferson County Public Schools
3332 Newburg Road
Louisville, KY 40218"