Lexington, Kentucky, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Fayette County schools have opened for the academic year under the leadership of Dr. Demetrus Liggins, facing a $16 million budget shortfall. New policies include a cursive writing mandate and a ban on cell phone usage in class. The newly opened Mary E. Britton Middle School aims to enhance educational experiences with unique facilities. Meanwhile, community efforts to address school lunch debt are underway, demonstrating local support for the schools as they navigate financial challenges.
Lexington, Kentucky – Fayette County schools have opened their doors for the 2025-26 academic year, alongside other districts in central Kentucky, under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins. This year anticipates focusing on learning and growth, despite the district facing a challenging $16 million budget shortfall.
In a move to address the budget concerns, the school board recently voted against increasing the Occupational and Licensing Tax. To further examine potential solutions, a community committee has been established to explore options to alleviate the financial strain. The decision comes as the district prioritizes educational programs while managing its resources effectively.
This school year introduces several new policies aimed at enhancing the educational experience. Notable among these is a mandate requiring the teaching of cursive writing in grades K-5, which aligns with educational trends that emphasize foundational writing skills. Additionally, students are prohibited from using cell phones during class hours due to concerns regarding distractions. Feedback has shown that parents and students largely support this new no-phone rule, appreciating the focus on minimizing disruptions in the classroom.
Dr. Liggins reflects on the progress made since his arrival in the district during the pandemic, indicating optimism for the future. To further enhance the educational landscape, Fayette County schools are celebrating the opening of the Mary E. Britton Middle School, which marks the first new middle school in 21 years. This state-of-the-art facility, constructed at a cost exceeding $82 million, spans 185,000 square feet and is located on Polo Club Boulevard in eastern Lexington.
The new middle school is set to accommodate up to 550 students in grades 6-8 initially, with a total capacity of 1,200 students. Principal Dave Hoskins emphasized the importance of not only providing educational opportunities but also fostering community engagement from the outset of the school year.
The middle school features unique facilities, including a medical sciences lab sponsored by Baptist Health, and an agricultural science chicken coop, providing hands-on experiences aimed at preparing students for future careers. The school is designed to allow students to earn high school credit while exploring interests in health and medical sciences. It also emphasizes civic engagement, aiming to cultivate a sense of belonging among students.
Noteworthy design elements of the new school include a media center designed for collaboration and content creation, equipped with a broadcast studio, as well as a cafeteria that doubles as an auditorium for performances. Furthermore, Mary E. Britton Middle School is recognized as one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the state, featuring flexible seating arrangements and accessible furniture to accommodate sensory-sensitive students.
Despite these positive developments in Fayette County, challenges remain in nearby districts, such as Lincoln County, which has postponed the school year’s start until September 8 due to unexpected structural issues stemming from a $3.8 million renovation project at Lincoln County High School.
In a show of community spirit, Adam Dahl, owner of Dalhus Fudge, has launched a charitable initiative to address school lunch debt in Fayette County Public Schools using profits from TikTok. His project has generated significant local interest and inspired others to contribute towards alleviating the burden of school lunch debts.
As the new school year unfolds, Fayette County Public Schools are navigating financial challenges while implementing innovative educational policies aimed at enriching student learning experiences and preparing youth for future success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What budget challenges is Fayette County Schools facing this year?
Fayette County Schools is dealing with a $16 million budget shortfall, which the school board chose not to address by raising the Occupational and Licensing Tax.
What new policies have been implemented this school year?
New policies include a mandate that requires cursive writing to be taught in grades K-5 and a prohibition on cell phone usage during class to minimize distractions.
What are the key features of the new Mary E. Britton Middle School?
Mary E. Britton Middle School features a medical sciences lab, an agricultural science chicken coop, various programs for workforce preparation, and an energy-efficient design with flexible seating and accessible furniture.
How is the community contributing to support local schools?
Community member Adam Dahl is using his earnings from TikTok to help pay off school lunch debt in Fayette County Public Schools, inspiring others in the community to contribute as well.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Budget Shortfall | $16 million |
| New Policies | Cursive writing mandate, no phone usage in class |
| New School | Mary E. Britton Middle School (first in 21 years) |
| School Capacity | Initial capacity of 550, total capacity 1,200 |
| Unique Facilities | Medical sciences lab, agricultural science chicken coop |
| Community Initiative | Adam Dahl’s project to pay off school lunch debt |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County Schools Budget Shortfall
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Fox 56 News: New Educational Resource
- Google Search: Fayette County Schools
- Kentucky.com: School Policies Update
- Google Scholar: Budget Shortfall in Schools
- LEX 18: Fudge Shop Owner Paying Off Lunch Debt
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Lunch Debt
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.
