Lexington, Kentucky, November 23, 2025
The Fayette County Board of Education has filed for eminent domain to acquire private property for the new Rise STEM Academy for Girls. While the board assures that no residential homes will be impacted, they aim to secure portions of adjacent backyards. Legal proceedings have commenced against M & T Investment, LLC, as the district seeks to address its long-term educational needs amidst community concerns raised by some residents regarding potential property damage.
Lexington, Kentucky – Fayette County Board of Education Seeks Eminent Domain for New School Construction
The Fayette County Board of Education has initiated legal proceedings to acquire private property through eminent domain for the construction of a new school facility. This action, filed in Fayette Circuit Court against M & T Investment, LLC, aims to secure a portion of land necessary for the development of the Rise STEM Academy for Girls. The district emphasizes that this acquisition will not affect any residential homes but will involve portions of adjacent backyards. The board asserts that while eminent domain is a measure of last resort, it is sometimes necessary to meet the long-term needs of students and the community. The district has engaged in good-faith negotiations with property owners and is committed to fair compensation as determined by law.
Background and Community Response
In August, the Fayette County Board of Education announced plans to acquire additional land for the Rise STEM Academy for Girls. The district clarified that the acquisition would not impact any homes but would involve portions of backyards. This decision followed months of negotiations with property owners. However, several homeowners in the Port Royal neighborhood have filed lawsuits, alleging that the construction has caused damage to their properties, including issues such as flooding and structural concerns. These residents claim that the district’s use of a private access road for construction has led to trespassing and unlawful taking of property.
Legal Proceedings and Future Plans
The Fayette County Board of Education has formally filed a petition for eminent domain to acquire the necessary land and extinguish a private right of way for the future school. The board adopted a resolution on August 4, determining that the property and overlapping right-of-way are essential for the development of Fayette County’s public school system. The district is committed to working within all legal requirements to ensure fair treatment of property owners as it seeks to settle this matter without further legal action.
About the Rise STEM Academy for Girls
The Rise STEM Academy for Girls is a specialized educational institution aimed at providing a focused curriculum in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for female students. The new facility is part of the Fayette County Public Schools’ ongoing efforts to enhance educational opportunities and address capacity issues within the district. The construction of this academy is expected to alleviate overcrowding in existing schools and offer a dedicated space for STEM education tailored to the needs of young women.
Fayette County Public Schools’ Commitment
The Fayette County Public Schools district remains dedicated to meeting the educational needs of its growing student population. The decision to pursue eminent domain reflects the district’s commitment to providing quality education and facilities that support student success. The board continues to engage with the community and property owners to address concerns and ensure that the development of the Rise STEM Academy for Girls proceeds in a manner that is fair and beneficial to all parties involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is eminent domain?
Eminent domain is a legal process that allows public entities to acquire private property for public use, with compensation provided to the property owner as determined by law. In this case, the Fayette County Board of Education is using eminent domain to acquire land for the construction of the Rise STEM Academy for Girls.
Will my home be affected by this acquisition?
No, the Fayette County Board of Education has stated that the acquisition will not affect any residential homes. The property in question involves portions of adjacent backyards, not the homes themselves.
What is the Rise STEM Academy for Girls?
The Rise STEM Academy for Girls is a specialized educational institution aimed at providing a focused curriculum in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for female students. The new facility is part of the Fayette County Public Schools’ efforts to enhance educational opportunities and address capacity issues within the district.
What concerns have residents raised about the construction?
Some residents in the Port Royal neighborhood have filed lawsuits alleging that the construction has caused damage to their properties, including flooding and structural issues. They also claim that the district’s use of a private access road for construction has led to trespassing and unlawful taking of property.
How is the Fayette County Board of Education addressing these concerns?
The Fayette County Board of Education has engaged in good-faith negotiations with property owners and is committed to fair compensation as determined by law. The district is working within all legal requirements to ensure fair treatment of property owners and aims to settle the matter without further legal action.
Key Features of the Rise STEM Academy for Girls Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Adjacent to the existing Rise STEM Academy for Girls on 2160 Versailles Road, Lexington, Kentucky. |
| Purpose | To provide a dedicated facility for female students focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. |
| Impact on Residents | The acquisition will not affect any residential homes but will involve portions of adjacent backyards. Some residents have raised concerns about property damage and the use of a private access road for construction. |
| Legal Action | The Fayette County Board of Education has filed a petition for eminent domain to acquire the necessary land and extinguish a private right of way for the future school. |
| Community Engagement | The district has engaged in good-faith negotiations with property owners and is committed to fair compensation as determined by law. |
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