Lexington, KY, September 2, 2025

News Summary

Ann Sampson-Grimes, the Budget and Financial Planning Director for Fayette County Schools, alleges retaliation after being placed on administrative leave for raising concerns about financial issues. Her attorney argues that her leave stems from unjust treatment for advocating necessary budget cuts. As the school district faces a significant $16 million shortfall and a proposed tax increase, complaints about her treatment raise questions about gender discrimination and potential violations of the Kentucky Whistleblower Act. A public meeting is set to address the budget amidst community concerns over financial instability.

Fayette County Schools Budget Director Claims Retaliation After Warning About Financial Issues

Lexington, KY – Ann Sampson-Grimes, the Executive Director of Budget and Financial Planning for Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS), has been placed on administrative leave amid claims of retaliation following her warnings about significant financial issues within the district.

Sampson-Grimes’s attorney, Brandon Voelker, contends that her leave, which occurred on August 15, 2025, stems from her advocacy for necessary budget cuts and her reports of financial waste. The grounds for her leave have been described as “inappropriate conduct,” though the specifics of this charge remain unclear.

In a six-page letter addressed to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins and Board Chair Tyler Murphy, Voelker asserts that Sampson-Grimes was systematically ignored when she proposed multiple budgetary suggestions between February 2024 and August 2025. The letter highlights that she raised concerns about the need for budget cuts in order to align with the school board’s policy, which mandates maintaining a 6% contingency fund.

Sampson-Grimes claims that her recommendations for budget adjustments were continuously disregarded by district leadership, particularly calling out Deputy Superintendent Dr. Houston Barber. Barber allegedly advised her against revealing details of the district’s cash flow problems or the urgency of enforcing budget cuts during school board meetings.

Furthermore, since being placed on leave, Sampson-Grimes has been barred from attending board meetings and accessing district property. Voelker argues that this treatment infringes upon her First Amendment rights.

The financial struggles of the district came to a head in May 2025, when FCPS proposed a tax increase to cover a $16 million shortfall. This escalation in financial urgency has raised concerns among community members regarding the district’s economic stability.

Sampson-Grimes has been a part of the FCPS since 2000, and she claims her qualifications in budget matters have been overlooked, sparking issues related to gender and age discrimination. Voelker further argues that her treatment violates the Kentucky Whistleblower Act due to retaliation for bringing attention to potential waste and mismanagement within the district.

As a resolution, Sampson-Grimes is demanding her reinstatement, and her attorney has indicated that they may pursue legal action if her employment situation is not favorably resolved. A public meeting is scheduled for the school board to discuss the budget, with community concerns about financial stability looming large given the district’s precarious fiscal situation.

FCPS officials have chosen not to comment on the personnel matters involving Sampson-Grimes, citing confidentiality protocols concerning such issues.

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Additional Resources

• WKYT News
• Wikipedia: Whistleblower
• Fox 56 News
• Google Search: Fayette County Public Schools budget problems
• Kentucky.com – Financial Issues
• Google Scholar: Fayette County Public Schools
• WTVQ News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public School
• Kentucky.com – Editorials
• Google News: Fayette County Schools financial troubles

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

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