LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- A looming vote on whether to appeal the state takeover recommendation of JCPS by Kentucky's interim education commissioner is getting the attention of a group of Louisville pastors.
"Our kids are not getting educated and they are not ready to go to the next level," said Bishop Michael Ford.
He organized a listening session for parents Thursday night, focusing on what he calls achievement gaps between black and white students. He says the district, with the state's help, needs to do more in improving deficiencies.
"They say, 'We've come up with a five-year plan and it's going to be better in five years,' and five years down the road it's the same plan," he told WHAS11.
Ford is finding support in the research group Bluegrass Institute. Its President and CEO, Jim Waters, favors a state takeover and wants a closer look at the collective bargaining agreement between the district and the teacher's association.
"It ties the hands of Dr. Pollio. So, if he wants to take great teachers, experienced teachers, veteran teachers, put them in failing schools - put them in low performing schools - pay them a little more to do that, he's not able to do because he hands are tied," Waters said.
Several GOP state lawmakers say progress to narrow achievement gaps is being made. In an Op-ed this week, they call a takeover 'unnecessary' and write, "A state takeover would be a huge infringement on local decision-making authority, and would break the cooperative spirit that finally exists with JCPS."