July 22, 2025

Controversies Surround Fayette County Schools’ New Academic Year

News Summary

As Fayette County Schools gears up for the upcoming academic year, tensions rise due to controversies surrounding school funding and travel expenses. Students will return to classes amid concerns over potential cuts to professional development for educators. Key dates are set, but fiscal decisions, including a proposed tax hike to address a significant budget deficit, have sparked community scrutiny. The ongoing discussions reflect a need for greater transparency and public involvement as stakeholders navigate a challenging educational landscape.

Lexington, KY – The Fayette County School District is gearing up for a new academic year as students prepare to return to classes on Wednesday, August 13. However, this year’s start coincides with tensions and controversies regarding school funding and travel expenses that may impact professional development for educators.

The academic year will kick off early for students at Williams Wells Brown Elementary, who will begin their school year on July 30. Throughout the year, several important dates are scheduled, including:

September 1: Labor Day
September 29 – October 6: Fall Break
November 26-28: Thanksgiving Break
December 22 – January 5, 2026: Winter Break
January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 16: President’s Day
March 20: No school, potential weather make-up day
April 6 – April 13: Spring Break
May 19: Election Day
May 25: Memorial Day
May 28: Last day of school for students
May 29 – June 10: Scheduled make-up days for students

The district cautions parents that any weather-related interruptions may alter the school calendar, and updates will be available on the district’s website.

Recently, the Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) Board faced scrutiny during a meeting addressing travel expenses potentially jeopardizing funding for professional development programs for staff. Superintendent Demetrus Liggins expressed concerns about the board’s 2-2 vote on these expenses, indicating that insufficient professional development could hinder student success.

The discussions on travel expenditures arise amid heightened community scrutiny over fiscal decisions, particularly following a proposed tax increase intended to address a $16 million budget deficit. The board approved a professional leave report, allocating $16,570 from the general fund for staff to participate in various conferences. These decisions have been challenged, with board member Monica Mundy urging for greater transparency and a need for detailed connections between travel expenses and student outcomes.

Questions have been raised by community members regarding specific expenditures, such as previous international conferences attended by FCPS staff. A notable example involves a 2022 trip to Australia undertaken by Liggins, which the district defended as part of a collaborative effort to enhance educational practices.

Further complicating matters, the board’s decision to implement a tax hike was met with criticism related to a perceived lack of public notice, prompting involvement from Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman. Community members have expressed frustration, asserting that there should be more opportunities for public input before financial burdens are placed on taxpayers.

As the board moves forward with its proposed $848 million budget, which includes this tax increase, the goal is to navigate a significant deficit. The anticipated financial strain will result in an approximate additional cost of $13 per month for local residents.

As the school year approaches, both students and faculty members face an uncertain backdrop framed by controversies over budgeting and travel spending amid a larger narrative of educational funding and community engagement. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these matters unfold as Fayette County Schools embark on a new academic journey.

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Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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