Louisville schools and forced busing? (real estate, home, neighborhoods)

[nlschr0]

With the recent requests for information about Louisville schools, I was curious about the current status of any busing policies in the district. I know that in the past, forced busing was a very controversial issue that led many families to private schools (if they could afford it).

For those who are unfamiliar with it, Louisville was one of the cities that started a historically famous (infamous?) busing policy in the 70's to help desegregate their schools. Historically, many residential areas were predominantly white or African-American, so many neighborhood schools lacked diversity. White or African-American students would be randomly chosen (I think based on last name or something similar) to be sent to a school across town that needed their demographic to increase diversity. Of course, the benefit of this was hotly debated for years (and parents and students that were selected to be bused out of their home districts were often very upset).

I haven't heard anything about it recently, and I was wondering if anyone had any recent and current information. I know that there was a lawsuit at one point that (I think) forced several cities to stop the practice. Is any type of forced busing in place in Jefferson County? If so, what is the impact for students and families? If not, how (if at all) does the district balance the demographics?

Just curious as a former Louisville student and current educator

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by nlschr0

With the recent requests for information about Louisville schools, I was curious about the current status of any busing policies in the district. I know that in the past, forced busing was a very controversial issue that led many families to private schools (if they could afford it).

For those who are unfamiliar with it, Louisville was one of the cities that started a historically famous (infamous?) busing policy in the 70's to help desegregate their schools. Historically, many residential areas were predominantly white or African-American, so many neighborhood schools lacked diversity. White or African-American students would be randomly chosen (I think based on last name or something similar) to be sent to a school across town that needed their demographic to increase diversity. Of course, the benefit of this was hotly debated for years (and parents and students that were selected to be bused out of their home districts were often very upset).

I haven't heard anything about it recently, and I was wondering if anyone had any recent and current information. I know that there was a lawsuit at one point that (I think) forced several cities to stop the practice. Is any type of forced busing in place in Jefferson County? If so, what is the impact for students and families? If not, how (if at all) does the district balance the demographics?

Just curious as a former Louisville student and current educator

This seems to be somewhat of a touchy subject here Do keep in mind that this busing policy is going to the Supreme Court this summer I believe, and it could set a dangerous national precedent if the law is repealed. The case will be combined with a similar one from Seattle, another progressive city IMO.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffers...ools_(Kentucky)

I checked the article and it seems pretty accurate, but you always have to be careful with Wikipedia.

[Coyote_Blond]

I'm against it! They self create neighborhoods THEN get to send their kids to ours? Hah! That's why we left Louisville & moved to S. Indiana. Schools aren't great (good old boy system is firmly in place here) but at least my child isn't forced to attend a school miles away from our neighborhood is. His friends live where they school as it should be! In Oldham County you don't have to bus BUT the mayor's invested in the real estate and you pay for the bon-busing advantage!