UPDATE: June 10 at 11:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball reported that a special examination of Fayette County Public Schools will be conducted after the district announced a pause on the tax increase amid public scrutiny.
Ball released the following statement:
"Upon review of publicly available information, as well as listening to concerns from parents and other constituents, I have determined that my office will conduct a special examination of the Fayette County Public School District."
Meanwhile, in a joint statement Fayette County senate delegates showed support for the examination.
"We have heard from many constituents who are deeply concerned about Fayette County Public Schools, particularly regarding district spending and the board’s recent occupational tax vote, which was determined to be unlawful. FCPS decisions carry not only educational consequences, but also regional economic and workforce implications."
The joint statement is from delegation members, Sens. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, Jared Carpenter, Donald Douglas, Greg Elkins, Matt Nunn, and Steve West.
"Transparency, honesty, and community engagement are essential. The district must practice these principles, not merely talk about them. A deeper, independent review could clarify how taxpayer dollars are being spent, identify areas for improvement, and help restore public confidence in the district’s leadership," the statement continued.
"We believe in our schools, we support our teachers, and we believe accountability, openness, and trust are the foundation for moving forward. If the board seeks to rebuild its image in the eyes of the public, we ask board members and district leadership to support an independent review."
Fayette County Public Schools released the following statement in response to Auditor Allison Ball's special examination announcement:
Fayette County Public Schools is committed to continuous improvement and, above all, student success. We are proud of the strategic investments we’ve made in our schools, which are leading to stronger outcomes, expanded opportunities, and meaningful progress in closing longstanding opportunity gaps. The State Auditor has the full authority to conduct a special examination at her discretion, and we welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with her office. We are confident that a fair and thorough review of our operations will affirm our commitment to excellence, equity, and transparency in service to our students and community.
Original Story:
Fayette County Schools has paused "any immediate action" regarding changes to the county's occupational license tax (OLT), the district announced Monday.
According to a press release, Chair Tyler Murphy recommended the pause until a committee of "diverse and representative stakeholders" could convene, communicate the district's process behind the budget, and provide "additional avenues for the community to weigh in and dive into what it takes to operate a district of this size and deliver results with lasting impact."
It is possible, Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said, for a working group to form this summer and gather public input for short- and long-term recommendations aimed at providing clarity and recommendations.
The group would build on the budget process, reviewing spending, revenue and other components. It would also provide feedback and a review of the district's plans and fiscal outlook.
The move was supported by all board members, the release said, and the committee is set to return its findings before next year's budget is set to be finalized and submitted in September.
“FCPS takes pride in the progress we have made,” Murphy said. “We welcome every opportunity to engage with our community and expand awareness of how our investments are driving historic gains for students, staff, and families. It is important that as many voices as possible are part of these conversations, and we look forward to using additional avenues to highlight our progress and deepen public understanding of the work behind it. This pause allows those avenues for engagement and public education to expand, ensuring that more stakeholders are informed, included, and heard.”
The announcements comes after Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman released a formal statement regarding the increase as unlawful.
If passed, the increase would cost residents an average of $13 more a month.
Liggins responded to the statement, saying that the district "respectfully but strongly disagree with the conclusions drawn, particularly because the opinion does not reference the relevant statute that governs this matter."
Individuals who attended the May 27 meeting where the motion to increase the tax were frustrated that their voices were not heard through the process, and that there was little communication to the public regarding the district's budget shortfall.
