Saturday December 6, 2025
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Acting Superintendent Marty Pollio announced today that Ballard High School Principal Staci Eddleman has been reassigned to a new position in the district as its director of Title I/II Services. The search begins immediately for a new principal at Ballard.
“During her entire career with JCPS, Dr. Staci Eddleman has been a champion for all students,” Dr. Pollio said. “Staci’s experience in both priority and nonpriority schools gives her a unique perspective, as I’ve challenged her to rethink the way our district allocates funds to support students, teachers and schools.”
Title I funding is provided to school districts by the federal government. The funding must be used to support schools with high numbers and/or high percentages of children from low-income families. The funding helps ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.
Title II funds are intended to increase the number of high-quality, effective teachers and principals. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes—from recruiting and retaining teachers to reducing class sizes or providing professional development.
“I am emotional about leaving my post at Ballard, but this opportunity is a perfect next step in my career,” Dr. Eddleman said. “The opportunity to impact tens of thousands of students outside the walls of just one school is appealing, and I appreciate the vision of Dr. Pollio as he looks to reimagine the way we support our staff, students and schools across the district.”
The Ballard School-Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council will immediately begin the process of seeking a replacement for Dr. Eddleman. A new principal is expected to be named before the start of the 2017-18 school year.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Acting Superintendent Marty Pollio announced that Dr. Carmen Coleman will serve as JCPS acting chief academic officer. She will begin her service with the district on July 11.
Dr. Coleman is an associate clinical professor at the University of Kentucky (UK) in the Department of Educational Leadership Studies. She is the program coordinator for the Principal Preparation Program and the director of the Next Generation Leadership Academy. Dr. Coleman is taking a one-year leave from UK. The memorandum of agreement finalizing the arrangement is on the agenda for a July 10 special-called Jefferson County Board of Education meeting.
“I am honored to have Dr. Coleman join our JCPS team,” Dr. Pollio said. “She is Kentucky’s foremost expert in implementing deeper learning strategies, and her level of professional accomplishment and history of instructional leadership will help move our district forward and increase student achievement.”
Before joining UK, Dr. Coleman served as superintendent of Danville Independent Schools from 2009 to 2014. Previously, she was director of elementary schools in Fayette County, the state’s second largest school district, from 2006 to 2009.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with teachers and leaders both in Kentucky and across the country who are simply the best of the best,” Dr. Coleman said. “I only had to talk with Dr. Pollio for a few minutes to know that he was one who belonged at the very top of that list. His vision for the kinds of opportunities we have to ensure for every child is the right one—and his record of success leaves no doubt that he will make it happen.
I also have tremendous respect for the JCPS Board and Teachers’ Association for making deeper learning their top priority for every child. This, combined with the tremendous talent of the teachers and leaders in Jefferson County and Dr. Pollio’s leadership, positions JCPS perfectly to lead both the state and the nation in showing just what is possible for kids. I am simply honored to be a part and cannot wait to get started.”
Dr. Coleman began her career in Scott County, where she worked as a teacher and principal from 1994 to 2006.
In addition to naming Dr. Coleman as acting chief academic officer, Dr. Pollio said at this time he has no plans to post or fill the chief business officer position and will redirect those funds to schools.
Photo: Beechmont Community Center
A program offered at the Beechmont Community Center will introduce storytelling and acting to youths ages 8-13 and culminate in a performance at the center on Friday, August 31. Led by actor and director Tony Dingman, the Beechmont Theatre will cultivate confidence, cooperation, compassion and joyful learning in its students through imaginative play and storytelling.
Dingman is the Co-Artistic Director of Louisville’s Think Tank Theatre and previously Le Petomane Theatre Ensemble. He has been building new works for the stage for more than 12 years. He has directed and taught young actors at Missoula Children’s Theatre, Kentucky Shakespeare, Walden Theatre and the Frazier Museum.
“Theatre is unique in the way it can tell a story, and there is a magic in it,” Dingman said. “It is a shared moment that can’t be reproduced, where the audience and actors are counting on each other to help build a world. I hope to help ignite the imagination of young people and give them tools to create and share their stories, the ones that they think are exciting and fun.”
The 8-week program begins on Monday, July 10, and the group will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. through August 31 at the newly renovated theatre area at the Beechmont Community Center, located at 205 Wellington Avenue.
The class size is limited to 15 students, and the program fee is $145 and includes a free meal each night. The Beechmont Theatre Showcase will end the class’s run on Friday, August 31 at 7 p.m., and family, friends and the public are invited to attend.
Metro Parks and Recreation has recently renovated the basement at Beechmont into a theatre space, including new paint, floor tiles, a stage, curtains and sound system, as well as a colorful mural created with the help of the Kentucky Center’s ArtsReach program.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Acting Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio today announced the launch of his new online video series: the JCPS Weekly Wrap Up. The new series provides Dr. Pollio and the district with an added strategy to communicate better with JCPS families, employees and the entire community.
“The JCPS Weekly Wrap Up is another important tool we now have to provide news and information to our school families and community,” Dr. Pollio said. “It’s been a great first week. The enthusiasm I’ve felt from our community has been extremely welcoming and only inspires me to work even harder to move our district forward.”
Each Friday, Dr. Pollio will provide key updates on district- and school-level initiatives and how he’s working to continue moving JCPS forward. In his video released today, Dr. Pollio shared the following highlights:
- Dr. Pollio spent time Wednesday with JCPS Early Childhood teachers and students during the kickoff of JCPS Camp Ready4K at Unseld Learning Center;
- He announced Friday morning that Dr. Carmen Coleman—an expert in implementing deeper learning strategies—will serve as the new JCPS acting chief academic officer;
- And Dr. Pollio also announced Friday that he will not fill the JCPS chief business officer position and will instead redirect those funds to JCPS schools.
The JCPS Weekly Wrap Up video series will be featured on Dr. Pollio’s Twitter page and the district’s social media outlets. Watch the JCPS Weekly Wrap Up here.
A Pleasure Ridge Park High School student, alumnus and teacher have earned a prestigious media award by the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).
Sophomore Laquan Richardson and Class of 2017 graduate Jailen Leavell, along with teacher Mary Dunn, recently received a Student Production Award for their video news story titled English Conversation Club. The piece highlights an outreach program in Louisville aimed at connecting the city’s immigrants with volunteers.
The Student Production Award competition received entries from colleges, universities and high schools across the chapter’s four-state region. Industry professionals judged and critiqued the entries, which showcased a wide range of talent from these future broadcasters and media producers.
“The work of our region’s students continues to impress the professionals who judge their submissions,” said Leslie Blackston-Favors, High School Student Awards Chairman for the Ohio Valley Chapter. Richardson, Leavell and Dunn will officially accept their award during the chapter’s annual Emmy® Awards Gala in August.
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners offer workshops to benefit individuals of all ages in July including a “Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower”, a “Healthy Living Club”, a Back to School event at Valley High School, a “Best College Match Free Informational workshop”, a “Diabetes Self-Management Class Series”, and much more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Neighborhood Place is also proud to support the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) offered by the Louisville Farmer’s Market Association. The SFMNP provides income eligible seniors, sixty years or older, with $28 in checks per season to purchase fresh, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables and other items. Eligible individuals can apply at a local Neighborhood Place and several other locations. Call 574-6164 for more information or download this flyer.
July 5 and 6, Work and Learn Program for K-TAP Recipients Info Session
Call 502-213-2149 for more information. Individuals who are receiving K-TAP who are interested in completing their GED or upgrading their skills in preparation for college enrollment are invited to stop by and talk with case managers from the Work and Learn program. Find out how to earn an hourly wage at an approved job site and upon completion of your GED, receive a cash bonus.
- July 5, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. July 6, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- July 10, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
July 5 and 7, Diabetes Self-Management Class Series at South Central Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave.. Registration is required by calling 574-6663. Whether you are recently diagnosed or have been diabetic for years and need a refresher, this class is for you! Topics covered will include what are diabetes, glucose monitoring, problem solving, healthy eating, medication management, sick day management, healthy exercise, and goal setting. Sponsored by Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness.
Each Tuesday, Couponing Support Group at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 to register or for more information. Learn tips and money saving ideas to help build extra financial wealth in using coupons while grocery shopping.
July 6, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Road, at T.J. Middle School. Call 574-4516 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
July 6 and 11, AT&T Internet Sign-ups
Louisville Digital Inclusion Group will have a table to sign people up for AT&T Access, a $10/month high-speed internet service for SNAP (food stamp) recipients. Eligible residents can register for internet services, and receive information about low-cost internet plans.
- July 6, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place at Fairdale, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- July 10, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 2 – 4:30 p.m.
- July 11, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place at Valley, 10200 Dixie Highway, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- July 14, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
July 11, Healthy Living Club at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 363-1483 for more information. Join the support group on the second Tuesday of every month to discuss healthy living and to get the support you need to eat better, get active, and lose weight. This month a focus on reading food labels, the nutritional value of food and preparing a healthy plate. Come and join the fun. Drawings for prizes and healthy snacks provided.
July 11, Free Blood Pressure Checks at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. Louisville Metro Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure checks.
July 13, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at First Neighborhood Place, 1- 3 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. Contact Mendy Mason at 341-5400 to register or for more information. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered.
July 13, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
July 13, Kitchen Table Conversations at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market St. Call Margaret Murphy at 502.313.4909 for more information. This popular resource support group for relatives raising grandchildren meets the second Thursday of each month. A monthly guest speaker help this group focus on the unique issues that caregivers may have raising younger children. Aunts, uncles or anyone raising their grandchildren are welcome to attend. Lunch is provided free of charge.
July 18, Community Dental Care Information Sessions at South Central Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 502-366-4442 for more information. Community Dental Care is a full-service dental organization designed to increase access to health care in communities with the goal of improving the overall health of the population. Representatives will be on site to provide information about services offered and to assist in scheduling appointments for dental needs or for pediatric health needs.
July 18, Best College Match Free Informational Workshop at Ujima Neighborhood Place. 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 to RSVP. Greg and Opal Dawson, authors of “Best College Match: 5 Steps that Earned $1,000,000 in Scholarships”, will discuss their ‘Five Steps to Finding the Best College Match’ for your child. Raffles will also be held for an autographed book or a one-hour “Best College Match” one-on-one consultation.
July 17, 24 and 31, Diabetes Self-Management Class Series at First Neighborhood Pace, 2:30 – 5 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. Registration required by calling 574-6663. Whether you are recently diagnosed or have been diabetic for years and need a refresher, this class is for you! Topics covered will include what are diabetes, glucose monitoring, problem solving, healthy eating, medication management, sick day management, healthy exercise, and goal setting. Sponsored by Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness.
July 19, Legal Aid Office Hours at South Central Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 485-7130 for more information. A Legal Aid Society staff member will be on hand to answer questions, talk about cases that Legal Aid handles and provide referrals.
July 20, Choices Domestic Violence Educational Workshop located at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 to register. The workshop is facilitated by the Center for Women and Families’ domestic violence advocates, a psycho-educational group for women, men, and teens who have experienced abuse in their intimate relationships. The objectives of the group are to raise awareness about intimate partner violence and the supportive services that are available; support and encourage participants’ healing and reconciliation of their experiences; and to prepare the participants to practice self-care and engage in healthy relationships going forward.
Two opportunities for 4 Your Child – Dads Making the Difference Workshop Series
For more information and to register, contact Dr. Cheri Langley at (502) 709-9323 or at Cheri.Langley@louisville.edu. “4 Your Child” is an eight-week fatherhood program that aims to improve the quantity and quality of fathers” involvement by integrating responsible parenting, economic stability, and relationship education services. Participants may be compensated for their time up to $220 but registration is required.
- Saturdays, July 22 – Sept. 16, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. , at T.J. Middle School, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Saturdays, July 29 – Sept. 23, Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, 200 Juneau Dr., Ste. 200, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
July 27, Back to School Festival at Valley High School, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 10200 Dixie Highway. For more information call 363-1483. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. School supplies and backpacks will be provided while supplies last to families that participate in three, ten-minute ‘mini-trainings’. Over twenty presenters and more than forty vendors will be at the event plus mascots and lots of hands on fun to help everyone “Unlock Your Superhero Powers”. Sponsored by South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, Cane Run Neighborhood Place, Louisville Metro Department of Resiliency and Community Services, South Jefferson Community Partnership, Drug-Free Communities Grant, area JCPS schools, Kidz Club, Kosair Charities, Fairdale Christian Church, Fairdale First Baptist Church and Valley View Church.
Gov. Matt Bevin has issued an executive order expanding the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship to include Kentuckians who do not have a high school diploma but are working to achieve their GED concurrent with skills education.
“The central idea of the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship is to get thousands of adults to the first or second rung of a high demand career ladder,” said Education and Workforce Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner. “It’s extremely important that we remove as many barriers as possible to this process, and for thousands of Kentuckians, that barrier is not having a high school diploma.”
The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program was designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled workers in five of Kentucky’s fastest-growing workforce industries:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Business and IT
- Construction Trades
- Healthcare
- Transportation and Logistics
The scholarship provides tuition for up to 32 credit hours for eligible Kentuckians who have not yet earned at least an associate’s degree and are seeking certificates or diplomas in one of these five industries.
Those wishing to pursue their career certification in tandem with obtaining a GED can do so through the Accelerating Opportunity Kentucky program offered through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
You can learn more about the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship through helpwantedky.com, including eligibility requirements, participating colleges and universities, and certificates and diplomas available in each of the five industries.
“Helpwantedky.com, as well as the Help Wanted Kentucky Facebook and Twitter pages are channels for adults in Kentucky, regardless of age, to learn about jobs that pay well and are in high demand,” said Heiner.
