LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

Jefferson County Public Schools is confronting a $188 million budget deficit and will pivot to a bidding process to select a firm for financial audit and consulting services.

On Tuesday evening, Superintendent Brian Yearwood withdrew a recommendation to hire Dean Dorton and said the district will instead pursue a request for proposals.

“We'd like to pursue an RFP so that we can broaden the interest and broaden the scope of what it is we are trying to get accomplished,” said Yearwood.

The district is working to identify $132 million in budget reductions for the 2026–2027 school year. Board member Taylor Everett supported the decision to open the process to competition, saying it could lead to better pricing and a wider range of solutions.

“I've been very critical of u

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