News Summary
The Fayette County School Board has begun eminent domain proceedings to acquire land for a new driveway for the Rise STEM Academy. Local resident Theresa Leito and other neighbors oppose the move, citing inadequate communication and environmental concerns. A lawsuit is being prepared against the school board amid rising public discontent regarding their actions. The board has also been criticized for its previous fiscal management and relationships with the community as construction for the academy progresses.
Fayette County, Kentucky — The Fayette County School Board has initiated eminent domain proceedings to acquire approximately .1759 acres of land, including portions of property owned by local resident Theresa Leito and four other neighbors, to facilitate a new driveway for the forthcoming Rise STEM Academy. Leito has lived on her property for ten years and invested considerable time and resources in her home and garden, yet she has refused to sell part of her property for the school’s expansion efforts.
The school board argues that a wider driveway is necessary to accommodate school buses and ensure safety, despite having alternative land available nearby. School Board Chair Tyler Murphy stated that the district pursued “good-faith negotiations” with property owners. However, these efforts have reportedly faced strong resistance, with many residents expressing their discontent over the school board’s actions.
Development attorney Bruce Simpson has announced plans to file a lawsuit against the Fayette County School Board to contest the use of eminent domain. Simpson contends that negotiations have not been conducted in good faith and has accused the school board of trespassing on neighboring properties while conducting unauthorized digging and construction activities. This has led to mounting frustrations among residents, including complaints regarding the loss of natural habitats and local wildlife.
The discussion surrounding eminent domain has raised significant public concern about its implications for local homeowners and the school district’s relationship with the community. Several residents have expressed their staunch opposition to special treatment they believe the school district receives, as it is exempt from certain zoning regulations that apply to private developers in the area.
The Fayette County School Board recently purchased 35 acres of land for $10.1 million from developer Dudley Webb to develop the Rise STEM Academy for Girls, which is designed to accommodate up to 900 students. Construction on the site has involved the demolition of pre-existing structures and the removal of numerous trees, which has drawn criticism regarding environmental impact and loss of natural spaces.
Leito has voiced her dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the lack of communication from school officials when she inquired about alternative options, such as using available green space instead of encroaching on private properties. The construction activities have raised concerns not only about the interruption of community lives but also about the welfare of local wildlife, specifically the bird species that once thrived in the area proposed for the school.
As the public discourse continues, there are broader implications for the Fayette County School Board, which is already under investigation by the state auditor for issues related to previous fiscal decisions. The current situation may amplify scrutiny over how the board manages both its construction projects and its relationships with the community it serves.
The impending opening of the Rise STEM Academy, featuring flexible learning spaces aimed at enhancing STEM education for girls, brings both hope and anxiety among local families. As the school board moves forward with its plans, the concern remains palpable regarding how community homeowners will be affected by decisions made at the district level.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County School Board Acquisition
- Wikipedia: Eminent Domain
- LEX18: Fayette County Board of Education Acquisition
- Google Search: Fayette County School Board STEM Academy
- MSN: Fayette School Board Moves on Eminent Domain
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Eminent Domain
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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