Lexington, KY, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Fayette County Public Schools faces intense scrutiny after it was revealed that over $2.5 million was charged on school-issued credit cards by approximately 135 high-ranking administrators. Lavish expenses, including costly meals and hotel stays amidst a looming budget shortfall, have raised concerns among taxpayers and legislators. Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has since implemented new spending restrictions. The district’s financial practices are now under external audit following whistleblower allegations and a significant projected budget gap.
Lexington, KY – Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) faces financial scrutiny following revelations that employees accumulated over $2.5 million in charges on school-issued credit cards between August 2024 and January 2025. A total of $2,570,611 was charged by approximately 135 high-ranking school administrators using Fifth Third Bank credit cards within this six-month period.
The expenditures have raised eyebrows due to their high cost, which included 34 meals totaling between $500 and $1,000, as well as 23 meals exceeding $1,000, primarily taking place in Lexington. One particularly notable expense was a meal billed at $948 at Ellen’s Stardust Diner in New York City.
Moreover, some expenditures seem to have raised further controversy. For instance, while $32,000 at Crank and Boom ice cream was reportedly covered by donations, even more eyebrow-raising was the $3,300 expenditure at an ax-throwing venue, which was approved by FCPS officials. Additionally, significant hotel costs were logged, including travels abroad, with a notable trip to Finland by Houston Barber, deputy superintendent over finance.
These lavish spending habits come at a time when the district is grappling with a projected $16 million budget shortfall. This has sparked growing concern and frustration among school board members, taxpayers, and state legislators regarding the district’s financial management. In December alone, it was reported that FCPS expended $3.6 million on over 200 trips for administrators and teachers during the 2023-2024 school year, a sum exceeding the spending of other large Kentucky districts.
In response to these financial concerns, Superintendent Demetrus Liggins quickly imposed restrictions on travel and related expenses. This new policy allows only mandatory travel and eliminates staff gifts, aiming to reel in spending amidst tightening budgets.
Compounding the crisis, communication issues among school board members surfaced as they were reportedly not properly informed about the high-cost meal charges incurred through school-issued credit cards. Amid these developments, questions arose during a legislative session led by Sen. Lindsey Tichenor regarding the oversight of FCPS’s credit card statements.
In November alone, $86,246 was spent on hotel stays for education-related conferences, raising further questions about the transparency of such expenditures, especially concerning records of exact room bookings and attendees. FCPS appears overall to be overspending its approved budget, with a reported excess of $38 million against a $681 million general fund budget for Fiscal Year 2024.
The instability surrounding FCPS’s finances has exacerbated when whistleblower allegations emerged from within the district, including claims that a finance official faced suspension for voicing concerns about the district’s financial state. As a response to these growing accountability demands from both community members and state lawmakers, an external audit has been called.
During the latest budget approval meeting, a motion compelled Liggins to formulate a strategy aimed at restoring the district’s contingency fund back to 6%, up from just under 4%. These developments indicate a pressing need for transparency and responsible fiscal practices as FCPS navigates its financial predicaments in the near future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has been the total amount charged on school-issued credit cards?
Over $2.5 million was charged on school-issued credit cards by FCPS employees from August 2024 to January 2025.
How many administrators were involved in these charges?
Approximately 135 high-ranking school administrators made these charges using Fifth Third Bank credit cards.
What types of expenses are included in this amount?
Expenses included costly meals, hotel stays, and other travel-related charges, with some individual meals costing thousands of dollars.
What measures are being taken to address the spending issue?
Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has imposed travel restrictions and has eliminated staff gifts to combat financial overspending.
What is the current financial outlook for FCPS?
FCPS is projected to encounter a $16 million budget shortfall, prompting scrutiny of its expenditure patterns.
Key Features of the Financial Scrutiny on FCPS
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Charges | $2,570,611 |
| Number of Administrators | 135 |
| Projected Budget Shortfall | $16 million |
| Overspending for FY 2024 | $38 million excess |
| New Spending Restrictions | Mandatory travel only, elimination of staff gifts |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fayette County Schools Face Scrutiny Over Credit Card Spending
Controversy Erupts in Fayette County Public Schools Leadership
Fayette County Public Schools Confronts $16 Million Budget Deficit
Growing Tensions in Fayette County Public Schools Leadership
Fayette County Addresses Spending Scrutiny Amid Budget Shortfall
Budget Director Returns Amid Controversy in Fayette Schools
Lexington Lawmakers Demand Forensic Audit for Public Schools
Fayette County Budget Director Files Retaliation Lawsuit
Fayette County Schools to Conduct External Audit Amid Budget Shortfall
Fayette County Schools Faces $16 Million Budget Shortfall
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County News
- LEX18: Fayette County Schools Budget Vote
- Fox56 News: Whistleblower Back at Work Amid Budget Crisis
- WTVQ: FCPS Statement on Spending
- Wikipedia: Fayette County, Kentucky
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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