February 9, 2023

As part of our commitment to open and transparent communication, we are pleased to share a summary of each District Safety Advisory Council meeting.

DISTRICT SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Five years ago, FCPS became a national model for our comprehensive approach to school safety that went beyond facility upgrades and security enhancements to include full-time nurses and significant investments in mental health professionals.

As a school system that values continuous improvement, part of our natural rhythm is to look at what we’re doing, evaluate our progress, and plan for the next steps.

To that end, Superintendent Demetrus Liggins reconvened the District Safety Advisory Council to review the Comprehensive 10-Point Safety Investment Plan and recommend ways to continue providing safe campuses for all students and staff.

The panel is composed of 29 parents, educators, first responders, city officials, and business, faith, and community leaders selected for their experience and expertise in the area of safety and emergency management.

See the full list of council members

TONIGHT'S DISCUSSION

The second meeting provided an opportunity to hear from high school students, who shared their concerns and ideas. Twenty-one students from eight schools and programs provided feedback based on questions suggested by council members.

The student panel included:

• Bryan Station: Lily DeRosett, Jett Norton, and Carrice Flowers
• Frederick Douglass: Sarah Mattingly, Rex Letcher, Eric Chenou, and Kate Baker
• Henry Clay: Cooper Handshoe, Kasen Parks
• Lafayette: Zoe Johnson, Farryn Beatty, and Tyler Ruth
• Paul Laurence Dunbar: Justice Biggerstaff, Sepehr Kiessling
• Tates Creek: Nancy Rickert, Devan Young, and Wood Pierre
• STEAM Academy: Michael Amuguni
• The Learning Center: Jack Haley

After a brief welcome and remarks from Superintendent Demetrus Liggins, FCPS Police Chief Martin Schafer started the meeting by providing a historical perspective on the work that began in 2018 and discussed recent events that have occurred in Fayette County Public Schools. Then, the students answered questions and discussed what was going well and what needed improvement.

View the PowerPoint presentation

Watch the meeting hosted at Tates Creek High School

GET INVOLVED

You can find up-to-date information at www.fcps.net/safety.

Ask questions or submit comments for the council through this feedback form.

Be on the lookout for a survey later this month and other opportunities to engage.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The next meeting is 6 p.m. Feb. 16 at 450 Park Place.

Come hear experts' advice on refining best practices in school safety, mental health, and juvenile justice. This session will also be live-streamed on the FCPS YouTube channel.