Lexington, Kentucky, November 26, 2025
The Fayette County School Board has postponed its decision on the future of the Stables Alternative School Program due to significant community concerns about its unique educational offerings. Many advocates stressed its importance for students with special needs, as the board considers budget cuts affecting the equine therapy-centered program. Public comments highlighted the positive impact of the program, which has served students successfully for over a decade. The next board meeting, set for December 8, will be crucial for the program’s future.
Lexington, Kentucky – Fayette County School Board Delays Decision on Stables Program Amid Community Concerns
Lexington, Kentucky – The Fayette County School Board has postponed a decision regarding the future of the Stables Alternative School Program following a contentious meeting on Monday night. The program, which offers students a non-traditional learning environment centered around equine therapy, faces potential cuts as part of the district’s budgetary considerations.
Community Outcry and Public Comment
During the five-hour meeting, over 55 individuals signed up to speak during the public comment session. Many expressed strong support for the Stables program, emphasizing its unique role in providing therapeutic education for students with special needs. The program’s director and several students shared personal testimonies, highlighting its positive impact on their lives and academic success.
Budgetary Considerations and Facility Assessments
The district’s facility assessment committee is exploring ways to address budget shortfalls, including the possibility of terminating the $109,000 annual contract with Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, which operates the facility housing the Stables program. This potential cut has raised concerns about the program’s viability and the adequacy of alternative educational settings for its students.
Upcoming Board Meeting and Decision Timeline
No definitive decision regarding the Stables program was made during the meeting. The Fayette County School Board is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, December 8, to further deliberate on the matter and consider the community’s input before making a final decision.
Background on the Stables Program
The Stables Alternative School Program has been a part of Fayette County Public Schools for over a decade, offering project-based learning and work experiences in a non-traditional environment for approximately 45 students. The program is known for its high graduation rate and its role in reducing mental health hospitalizations among its participants. Supporters argue that the program’s unique approach cannot be easily replicated within the district’s existing facilities.
Related Developments
In addition to discussions about the Stables program, the school board considered audit committee recommendations related to the district’s budget shortfall. Members voted to postpone action on these recommendations, indicating ongoing efforts to address financial challenges within the district.
Conclusion
The Fayette County School Board’s decision to delay action on the Stables program reflects the complexity of balancing budgetary constraints with the educational needs of students. The upcoming board meeting on December 8 will be crucial in determining the program’s future and its role within the district’s educational offerings.
FAQ
What is the Stables Alternative School Program?
The Stables Alternative School Program is a non-traditional educational setting that provides project-based learning and work experiences centered around equine therapy for approximately 45 students. It has been part of Fayette County Public Schools for over a decade and is known for its high graduation rate and positive impact on students’ mental health.
Why is the Fayette County School Board considering cuts to the Stables program?
The district is facing budget shortfalls and is exploring various measures to address financial challenges. One consideration is terminating the $109,000 annual contract with Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, which operates the facility housing the Stables program. This potential cut has raised concerns about the program’s viability and the adequacy of alternative educational settings for its students.
When will a decision be made regarding the Stables program?
No definitive decision was made during the recent school board meeting. The Fayette County School Board is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, December 8, to further deliberate on the matter and consider the community’s input before making a final decision.
What is the community’s stance on the potential cuts to the Stables program?
During the five-hour meeting, over 55 individuals signed up to speak during the public comment session. Many expressed strong support for the Stables program, emphasizing its unique role in providing therapeutic education for students with special needs. The program’s director and several students shared personal testimonies, highlighting its positive impact on their lives and academic success.
What other issues were discussed during the school board meeting?
In addition to discussions about the Stables program, the school board considered audit committee recommendations related to the district’s budget shortfall. Members voted to postpone action on these recommendations, indicating ongoing efforts to address financial challenges within the district.
Key Features of the Stables Alternative School Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-Traditional Learning Environment | Provides project-based learning and work experiences centered around equine therapy for approximately 45 students. |
| High Graduation Rate | Known for its high graduation rate among students. |
| Positive Impact on Mental Health | Has a positive impact on students’ mental health, with a significant reduction in mental health hospitalizations among participants. |
| Unique Educational Approach | Offers a unique educational approach that supporters argue cannot be easily replicated within the district’s existing facilities. |
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