JCPS board member James Craig resigns after 8 years of service

LOUISVILE, Ky. (WDRB) — Jefferson County Board of Education member James Craig is leaving the board after eight years.

Craig announced his resignation Tuesday through a letter read aloud at a JCPS board meeting, citing "new opportunities." He confirmed it would be his last night serving.

"Serving on the Jefferson County Board of Education is one of the greatest honors of my life," Craig said in his letter. "It also requires sacrifice. Public service demands personal and professional tradeoffs, and I have accepted them because our work is important. Today, however, new opportunities have emerged that I must pursue."

Elected to the board in 2018, Craig represents District 3. He currently serves as the board's vice-chair.

Craig had previously announced he would not seek re-election for his seat in November. His resignation comes as JCPS prepares for multiple changes to the board under Senate Bill 4, which reduces the board from seven to five members and redraws district boundaries.

In his resignation letter, Craig said he faced "extraordinary challenges" with the board, including seeing the district through the COVID-19 pandemic and a transportation crisis. He also highlighted his work in post-secondary readiness and school safety.

"My priorities have always been students, teachers, and families," he said. "I am proud of this work."

A crowded field of 23 candidates are running for five seats on the board this November. Along with Craig, members Linda Duncan, Tricia Lister and Corrie Shull are not seeking re-election.