Moxley Endorses Heiner At Education Press Conference

Republican candidate for mayor Hal Heiner Thursday discussed his plans for improving Jefferson County Public Schools, and announced his latest endorsement.Heiner recently called for an end to the current student assignment plan in a television ad. The spot drew criticism from Democratic candidate Greg Fischer, among others. Heiner says he still supports diversity, but the assignment plan has not improved schools. He said scrapping the plan is only part of his education platform, which calls for more magnet schools and incentives for teachers at underperforming schools."What we need is a comprehensive re-look at how we go about education in this community, determine what resources are necessary to get there, then get about the business of improving these schools. We really have no time to waste in that regard," he said.The mayor has no direct power over JCPS, but Heiner said he would convene civic and business leaders to help bring about the proposed changes."Ultimately, JCPS will write the plan, but from a leadership standpoint to get this process started and get the community behind it in a leadership mode, we know we can do better in Louisville, and the time to start it is now," he said.After announcing her endorsement, Moxley said she doesn't think it's out of line for candidates to discuss education."I think it's absolutely appropriate for the mayor to take a leadership role for issues that impact the city and this is an issue that impacts the city," she said. "It impacts the families and the communities and the people who live here."Fischer has proposed using public-private partnerships and after-school programs to improve education.Moxley is the third former Democratic candidate to endorse Heiner, following Shannon White and Tyler Allen. Metro Councilmen and former candidates David Tandy and Jim King have endorsed Fischer.For full audio and Fischer's response, visit The Edit.