LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) -- Louisville philanthropist Christy Brown, of the Brown Forman family is going public with her support of JCPS. She is against a state takeover of the school system. Brown is also publishing her letter and shared it with WHAS11 NEWS.
"Dear Dr. Pollio,
Like so many others, I am watching with deep concern the series of actions that may lead to a state government takeover of Louisville's schools. Over the last four years, I have been more closely engaged in JCPS than ever and have been so inspired by the dedicated educators I've come to know. The schools and classrooms I've visited have been exceptionally well run and filled with love and caring, which, of course, is the foundation for enabling the proper kinds of solutions that are needed. They provide a time of emotional and physical safety for many children who, principals and teachers remind us, dearly need that in their lives. Many are deeply worried about the destabilizing effect a takeover might have on these school communities that have been nurtured so carefully.
I am also very concerned about the effect on the integrity of our community outside the school walls. One of the few settled issues in our politics in recent years is the idea that the education of children is best served when local communities take responsibility. That principle is threatened when votes are nullified and the delicate work of engagement, discussion, and action by community members with elected officials is rendered irrelevant.
When I met you in the fall, I recognized that the members of the JCPS Board had chosen a great leader dedicated to unleashing the talents of our educators as well as finding the parts of our system that are working well so as to multiply those models.
As a former teacher and principal, you clearly know what it looks like when a school is excelling and what it looks like when a school needs help. But you have also shown yourself to be the great public leader that is particularly needed on behalf of our schools right now. You have displayed an ability to maintain an atmosphere of calm and competence during this precarious time so that you and the members of the JCPS Board can do the district’s critical work through the school year. Many of us are so grateful to you , Dr Pollio for expressing these gifts on behalf of our city at this crucial time!
I believe, like Mayor Fischer and thousands of others, that your efforts ought to be given the time and space to be implemented without intervention from state government. I offer you and the members of the JCPS Board my enthusiastic support and do so hope that you will rely on me and your legions of other supporters to help you do what you believe is the very best for the students of Jefferson County.
With Tremendous Respect and Admiration Most Sincerely,
Christy
Christina Lee Brown"
