The NAACP Louisville Branch is deeply concerned by the passage of Senate Bill 4

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The NAACP Louisville Branch is deeply concerned by the passage of Senate Bill 4 by the Kentucky General Assembly, legislation that significantly alters the structure and electoral landscape of the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Board of Education.

Senate Bill 4 reduces the number of board members from seven to five and redraws district boundaries in a way that changes their demographic makeup. Currently, African Americans hold three of the seven seats on the board. The new structure raises serious concerns about the future of equitable representation and could result in the elimination of African American representation altogether. By shrinking the number of seats on the board and gerrymandering the districts, the General Assembly has created an electoral process that could prduce an all-white board.

Despite African Americans comprising 23.4% of Jefferson County’s population and 36% of the JCPS student body, the redistricting plan does not include a single majority-minority district. This raises potential concerns under the Voting Rights Act, which requires that electoral systems provide minority communities a fair opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.

The NAACP Louisville Branch also strongly objects to the legislative process used to pass SB 4. Originally introduced as a bill focused on leadership and mentorship programs for school principals, the final version was substituted in a free conference committee by Representative Jason Nemes. This maneuver effectively bypassed public scrutiny and denied Jefferson County residents the opportunity to provide input.

“This legislation represents a significant step backward for transparency and equitable representation in our public school system,” said the NAACP Louisville Branch. “Decisions of this magnitude should never be made without meaningful community engagement.”

Governor Andy Beshear vetoed Senate Bill 4, but the veto was overridden by the legislature, with the Senate voting 30–8 and the House voting 78–19. Due to its emergency clause, the law takes effect immediately.

Under the new law, all five seats on the restructured JCPS Board of Education will be up for election on November 3rd, replacing the previously staggered election schedule.

The NAACP Louisville Branch remains committed to advocating for policies that protect voting rights, promote transparency, and ensure that all communities have a voice in public education governance.