Parents suing JCPS over new transportation plan file amended temporary restraining order

The lawyer for the parents suing Jefferson County Public Schools over its new transportation plan filed an amended complaint and temporary restraining order on Friday after a federal judge denied their initial motion, according to court documents.

District Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings denied the request for a temporary restraining order because the initial documents filed were missing key details, including showing the efforts they made to give the school district and Superintendent Marty Pollio notice and showing there is an imminent security threat to the students.

“While trying to control my severe health issues and being away from my law practice for the past two years, there were changes to rules and procedures that I was unaware of," Teddy Gordon, the attorney representing the parents, said. "I appreciate the Court’s understanding and allowing me to refile this case.”

Parents of JCPS students sued the school district over the April decision that cuts busing for the majority of magnet students. According to court documents, denying the children of transportation to the schools they were accepted to is a discrimination against them and other African American students.

"This Honorable Court and more importantly the African American students attending or going to attend magnet and traditional schools can avoid further litigation by reinstating transportation to the African American students," the motion for a temporary restraining order states. "JCPS should be restrained and enjoined from revising the student assignment plan of April 10, 2024, until a hearing can be held."

On Wednesday, proof of notification of the lawsuit sent to Pollio and the school district on June 20 was filed in the court system. The judge has not yet made any further determinations in the case.