Jefferson County Public Schools ‘Administrative Offices \VanHoose Education Center —_ P.O. Box 34020 Louisville, Kentucky 40232-4020 (502) 485-3011, July 27, 2017 David Wickersham Director Office of Education Accountability 475 Coffee Tree Road Frankfort, Kentucky 40602 Dear Mr. Wickersham: Thank you for the thoughtful and detailed review provided by the Office of Education Accountability (OEA) regarding the use of instructors and instructional assistants in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). Our district appreciates and values your input, and we are fully committed to providing all students with high-quality learning opportunities through instruction that is delivered by appropriately credentialed professionals. | appreciate the opportunity to respond to the review. In regards to the RESOLUTION(S) of allegations one and two referenced in your report, the district acknowledges there may have been limited instances of schools utilizing non- certified staff to instruct and supervise students during the instructional day. We agree with EA on the need for broad- based training and appreciate the opportunity to have updated training from the Education Professional Standards Board {EPSB) to ensure that all administrators and JCPS Human Resources staff members understand the requirements of KRS 161.020, 161.044, and 161.180, and that they are accurately implementing these policies and procedures on a daily basis. We also understand that our classified instructors should not be involved in the delivery of instruction without the direct supervision of a certified teacher. | do not believe ths issue is widespread or systemic, but our district is committed to implementing a corrective action plan and ensuring compliance with this requirement. As allowable under Kentucky law, JCPS will continue appropriately utilizing non-certified staff. This includes using instructors and instructional assistants to supervise and monitor students during non-instructional periods. We will also continue to utilize our instructors and instructional assistants as supplementary support in our classrooms. We value our classified instructors, and believe that in most cases, in most schools, they are being utilized appropriately. We appreciate the feedback and support from the Office of Education Accountability, and we are working diligently to improve our structures and systems where itis evident that attention is needed. | can assure you that we will address these concerns and ensure that implementation and utilization are improved. Sincerely, Wray e- Martin A. Pollio, Ed.D. Superintendent MAP:scf veers, asl Oppnetetimave Aeon Empey Ofer Eaed Eason Ospottee