Devin Katayama

Charging Commitee Ready to Move On Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin's Removal Hearing

Devin Katayama — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:24:37 +0000

The charging committee that petitioned to remove embattled Louisville Metro Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin announced it's ready to move forward with a hearing following its executive session meeting Thursday.

Shanklin was found guilty of violating several provisions of the city’s ethics code this year by Louisville’s Ethics Commission, which recommended she be removed from the council.

Kentucky Releases Preliminary Report on College Degrees, Showing Stagnant Results

Devin Katayama — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:16:02 +0000

More than 61,000 students are estimated to receive a degree or credential from one of Kentucky’s public and independent colleges and universities in 2013—slightly fewer than the year before, according to Kentucky's Council on Postsecondary Education.

The CPE released its preliminary degrees report Thursday, you can find it here.

Funding Cuts, Changing Needs Blamed for 41 JCPS Teacher Layoffs

Devin Katayama — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:06:16 +0000

Jefferson County Public Schools will lay off 41 teachers next school year, half of whom teach special education.

JCPS officials say state budget and federal sequester cuts are partly the reason for the layoffs, but they also say fewer students are using special education services.

The state required school districts to submit their layoff lists on May 15.

Kentucky Adult Education Offering Free GED Testing

Devin Katayama — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:32:09 +0000

Over the next few weeks, the state is offering free GED testing to eligible Kentucky residents .

The GED Testing Service hasn’t updated the high school equivalency exam in nearly a decade. Beginning in January 2014, the new test will be more closely aligned with the common core standards many states have already adopted. The testing fee will also double to $120.

In-State Tuition Agreement Means More Cash, Students for Indiana Colleges

Devin Katayama — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:23:55 +0000

Following up with yesterday's story on the reciprocity agreement between Indiana and Kentucky, the Council on Postsecondary Education has provided estimated gross tuition comparisons for how the two states fare in the agreement.

After Christian Group Meeting, JCPS Principals Reminded to Remain 'Neutral' on Religion

Devin Katayama — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:08:29 +0000

Jefferson County Public School Superintendent Donna Hargens sent a memo to all principals reminding them that district employees must remain neutral when discussing religion in school.

Last week, the group Louisville Area Christian Educators, or LACES, held an evening meeting at a district facility where a JCPS principal reportedly discussed ways religion could be introduced to students. Some have raised concerns with the group’s use of a public school facility to deliver their message.

Kentuckians Use In-State Tuition Agreement More Than Hoosiers

Devin Katayama — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:30:41 +0000

More Kentucky students attend Indiana colleges and universities where they can get in-state tuition than the other way around.

Kentucky and Indiana officials have announced that they're extending the agreement that allows students to pay in-state tuition at certain colleges and universities across the Ohio River. The extension was approved by the two states' higher education agencies as its expiration date approached this summer.

CLOUT Group Pushes JCPS to Change Disciplinary Policy for Students

Devin Katayama — Tue, 14 May 2013 03:34:12 +0000

Several members of the Louisville faith-based group Citizens of Louisville Organized and United Together, or CLOUT, are continuing their push for changes to Jefferson County Public Schools' discipline policy.

JCPS Suspensions Down; Struggle for African-American Students Continues

Devin Katayama — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:27:40 +0000

Overall suspensions are down in Jefferson County Public Schools this academic year, but the district is still struggling with one major at-risk student group.

Downtown Louisville Markers Celebrate Louisville Civil Rights Events

Devin Katayama — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:25:54 +0000

Louisville will install the first of a dozen markers this week to note significant civil rights events and celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the passage of the city’s Public Accommodations Ordinance.