Budget Director Returns Amid Controversy in Fayette Schools

Lexington, Kentucky, September 25, 2025

News Summary

Ann Sampson-Grimes has returned to her position as Budget Director for Fayette County Public Schools after being placed on administrative leave. Her leave, which started on August 15, led to a lawsuit claiming discrimination and retaliation against Superintendent Demetrus Liggins for her warnings on budget issues. An independent investigator is now reviewing her claims as the school board addresses a significant budget shortfall.

Lexington, Kentucky – Ann Sampson-Grimes, the Budget Director for Fayette County Public Schools, returned to her role on Thursday after being placed on administrative leave last month. Her attorney, Brandon Voelker, confirmed that they received notification of the end of her leave, effective immediately.

Currently, Sampson-Grimes is working remotely and has not been given any explanation for her prior leave, which began on August 15. Her temporary suspension was ordered by Superintendent Demetrus Liggins. Following this, on September 10, Sampson-Grimes filed a lawsuit, alleging that her leave was the result of discriminatory practices and retaliation due to her warnings about budget issues within the district.

Voelker has indicated that Sampson-Grimes does not intend to withdraw her lawsuit. An independent investigator has been appointed by the Fayette County School Board to assess her claims. A spokesperson for Fayette schools confirmed that Sampson-Grimes is no longer on administrative leave.

In correspondence to Liggins and Tyler Murphy, the school board chair, Voelker asserts that Liggins retaliated against Sampson-Grimes after she highlighted the need for budget cuts in a district struggling financially. Voelker described Sampson-Grimes as a “scapegoat” for the ongoing budgetary challenges, underlining that her suggestions regarding budget management had either been overlooked or met with opposition from colleagues and superiors.

The lawsuit also accuses Liggins of “gross intentional conduct meant to punish” Sampson-Grimes and of hindering her ability to report possible mismanagement of Fayette County Public Schools funds. Her suspension reportedly coincided with a critical situation for the district, which features a projected budget shortfall and reducing contingency fund.

Prior to her role with Fayette County, Sampson-Grimes served as a branch manager at the Kentucky Department of Education and as the chief financial officer at Anderson County Public Schools. She joined Fayette County Public Schools in 2020, bringing with her a wealth of experience in educational finance management.

In the wake of Sampson-Grimes’ situation, the Fayette County Schools Board is pursuing external audits to investigate a significant $16 million budget shortfall. The school’s audit committee is leading these efforts to ensure clear communication and avoid overlapping investigations, emphasizing a thorough and unbiased process. Board Chair Tyler Murphy noted the commitment to conduct independent reviews to gather the necessary information to support both students and the community going forward.

Background Information

Fayette County Public Schools has been facing financial difficulties, prompting concerns about mismanagement and budget planning. This situation has led to heightened scrutiny of the district’s financial practices, particularly after the announcement of a substantial budget shortfall. Sampson-Grimes’ experience and insights into school budgeting were expected to play a crucial role in addressing these financial challenges.

Key Developments

• Ann Sampson-Grimes returned to work after being on administrative leave.
• She filed a lawsuit claiming discrimination and retaliation.
• An independent investigation into her claims is underway.
• The school board is conducting external audits following a $16 million budget shortfall.

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Additional Resources

• Lex18: Fayette County Schools Votes 3-2 to Approve Working Fiscal Year Budget
• Wikipedia: Fayette County Public Schools
• Kentucky.com: Fayette County School News
• WKYT: FCPS Budget Director Returns to Work
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education

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