WDRB, November Election | Here are the candidates running for a seat on the JCPS Board of Education

Louisville Public Media, After a rocky year, ten people vie for spots on JCPS’ school board

Ballotpedia, Mark Gatton Running for Board of Education Member in Jefferson County School Board District 1 in Kentucky.

Mark attended California Specialized Training Institute, Jefferson Community College, and Spencerian Community College.

Mark previously worked as a residential counselor at St. Joseph's Children's Home, as a direct care counselor at Brooklawn Youth Services, and as a special police officer at Mills Detective Agency. He served in the US Air Force for 9 years. 

Mark Gatton's campaign to be a member of the Jefferson County Board of Education in District 1 is his first run for public office. 

Supports School choice, which are programs and policies that allow families to use public school funds to access schools beyond their local option, including private schools.

Said, "If JCPS can't deliver the quality education that parents expect, and students deserve It is the parent's responsibility to seek a better choice...If the Board and JCPS did their job, there would be no need for charter schools or a school choice bill."

- Supports School choice, which are programs and policies that allow families to use public school funds to access schools beyond their local option, including private schools.
- Said, "If JCPS can't deliver the quality education that parents expect, and students deserve It is the parent's responsibility to seek a better choice...If the Board and JCPS did their job, there would be no need for charter schools or a school choice bill."

Access to Education

Wants to improve the "dismal test scores for JCPS."

- Wants to improve the "dismal test scores for JCPS."

School Curriculum

Wants to address school transportation issues and is open to suggestions from parents, students, and county residents on resolving such issues.

Wants to install video cameras on all buses saying " Students no longer are being held accountable...If the student(s) can not maintain their behavior on the bus and in school, they can stay home and learn."

Believes bus routes are "Excessively long" and wants to "Stop bussing kids all over the county...put kids back into neighborhood schools, fix underachieving schools, repair or build more schools."

- Wants to address school transportation issues and is open to suggestions from parents, students, and county residents on resolving such issues.
- Wants to install video cameras on all buses saying " Students no longer are being held accountable...If the student(s) can not maintain their behavior on the bus and in school, they can stay home and learn."
- Believes bus routes are "Excessively long" and wants to "Stop bussing kids all over the county...put kids back into neighborhood schools, fix underachieving schools, repair or build more schools."

School Facilities & Resources

Said ". I feel JCPS no longer listens to the parents/guardians, students, and taxpayers of Jefferson County..the Board has lost sight of who they work for. They work for the residents of Jefferson County, not the other way around."

- Said ". I feel JCPS no longer listens to the parents/guardians, students, and taxpayers of Jefferson County..the Board has lost sight of who they work for. They work for the residents of Jefferson County, not the other way around."

Student Wellbeing

As of August 20, 2024, Mark Gatton did not have a website or any information online.

Teachers

LinkedIn

Twitter

Mark Gatton

Mark previously worked at Riverside Sheriff's Department and as a residential counselor at St. Joseph's Children's Home. He served in the Air Force. 

Mark Gatton's campaign to be a Board of Education Member in Jefferson County School Board District 1 in Kentucky is his first run for public office. 

Said "If JCPS can't deliver the quality education that parents expect, and students deserve It is the parent's responsibility to seek a better choice."

- Said "If JCPS can't deliver the quality education that parents expect, and students deserve It is the parent's responsibility to seek a better choice."

Said bus routes take too long, stating "put kids back into neighborhood schools, fix underachieving schools, repair or build more schools."

- Supports video camera on every bus.
- Said bus routes take too long, stating "put kids back into neighborhood schools, fix underachieving schools, repair or build more schools."

- Board of education members work as a team to lead the school district by setting policy, providing resources, and overseeing employees. 
- The board of education is responsible for the local school budget. It reviews expenditures, allocates funds, and approves facility plans. The board may levy taxes if deemed necessary.
- The board of education hires and directly supervises the district superintendent.
- School board of education numbers are elected in staggered even-numbered years through a nonpartisan election and serve four-year terms. Most boards in Kentucky consist of five members. 
- Independent school districts elect board members at large; county school districts elect board members from divisions. 
- School board members do not receive a salary. They may be compensated for costs associated with state-mandated activities. 