The stalwart supporters of Jefferson County Public schools exclaim, “We Love Our Public Schools!” and “No Takeover!” and “Support our Board of Education!”

But, there’s always a second statement like, “Of course, there are problems…” or “We know JCPS needs lots of changes…”

I’m ready to hear unqualified support for our school system.

This is the time for building up, not tearing down. Not even a little.

Superintendent Pollio is about to hit the one-year mark on his tenure as superintendent, and there has been a palpable positive turn in the culture. The image that is communicated daily from the school system is one of energy and enthusiasm.

The first day was smooth, lots of new programs are underway, and a number of new teachers, administrators and support staff are focused on making sure all children – no matter who they are or where they come from – get what they need to meet their potential.

This Board of Education and superintendent is in serious deliberations with Kentucky Department of Education officials on whether there will be a productive agreement to work together for the benefit of kids this school year. However, if such a gap in opinions continues to exist about what a productive agreement means, the year may be marked by public hearings on why JCPS should be taken over by the state.

The back and forth has shown both sides have made concessions and offered ideas to achieve a working plan. There’s more work to do and big decisions to make.

Knowing the weight of the community’s expectations on this work, I have been impressed with the tenor and seriousness projected from the work of our school board.

To me JCPS has been perfect in all this. Perfect is not magic; perfect is keeping going until you reach a workable solution with your vision and mission in mind.

I am proud of our school system. I am proud of so many things it has accomplished and will accomplish for students. I could go on, but I’ll keep it simple, and unqualified.

Support Jefferson County Public Schools!

That’s it, nothing more and nothing less.