Update: July 20 at 6 p.m.
The former finance chief at Fayette County Public Schools is pushing back against accusations that he caused the district's ongoing budget crisis.
Rodney Jackson, who has since retired from the district, appeared alongside his attorney Monday afternoon to deny responsibility for the shortfall and announce plans to pursue legal action.
"The assertion that I am personally responsible for FCPS budget shortfall is false," Jackson said.
Jackson said his retirement from the district was his own decision. He also said he intends to fight back against what he described as false accusations.
"I will not allow false accusations to define my career. My character or my legacy. I intend to use every legal avenue available to clear my name and hold those accountable. And responsible for making and spreading these false allegations," Jackson said.
FCPS is navigating a budget shortfall of at least $16 million, along with more than 100 job cuts. Jackson said the focus should shift to students, who are set to return to school in a few weeks.
"My hope is that we can somehow move beyond decisiveness and return our attention to what really matters, supporting our students, our teachers, and the future of public education," Jackson said.
Not everyone left Monday's appearance satisfied. Chad Peavler, a teacher and member of the American Federation of Teachers, said he still has questions.
"This could have been an email. There was no information. I don't think that that necessarily proves that Mr. Jackson is at fault. I don't know that it proves that someone else is at fault, um, but that's kind of where we've been for the past year," Peavler said.
Peavler said uncertainty remains as the new school year approaches.
"As employees, we're really not sure what this year is going to be," Peavler said.
Fayette County Public Schools declined to address Jackson's remarks or the pending litigation.
In a statement, the district said:
"Fayette County Public Schools and the Board of Education remain focused on preparing for a successful upcoming school year and ensuring our students, staff, and families have the stable, supportive environment they deserve. We will not comment on any matters regarding personnel issues or potential legal considerations."The lawsuits remain ongoing, and no additional information about their status was released during Monday's news conference.
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Original Story:
A retired Fayette County Public Schools financial executive is denying allegations that he played a role in the district's financial shortfalls, saying the claims against him are false and that he was unable to publicly respond while on approved leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Speaking during a news conference Monday, Rodney Jackson said allegations and insinuations linking him to the district's budget problems are unfounded. He said he remained silent because he was on approved FMLA leave while caring for his mother and recovering from hip surgery.
According to Jackson, responding publicly during that time could have been considered work, so he chose not to comment.
Covering Kentucky
FCPS confirms retirement of financial executive Rodney Jackson
"First, the budget shortfall. The assertion that I am personally responsible for FCPS budget shortfall is false. Secondly, reconciliations in 2020 2008. The claim that bank accounts have not been reconciled and finance has been materially misstated since 2008 is false," Jackson stated.
Jackson said he intends to challenge the allegations through the legal system, noting that multiple lawsuits related to the matter are pending. He said he believes those legal proceedings will demonstrate that the claims against him are false.
