Fayette County Board of Education

December 15, 2022

As part of our commitment to providing timely, clear, and accurate information to students, staff, families, and community members, we are pleased to provide a recap of our monthly school board meetings.  

WELCOME, SPECIAL REMEMBERANCES, and STUDENT PERFORMANCE

Board Chairman Tyler Murphy welcomed members of the public attending the meeting at the John D. Price Administration Building, located at 450 Park Place, as well as those watching the board meeting online.

Board Member Stephanie Spires invited the audience to observe a moment of silence to acknowledge the tragic death of Sullivan “Sully” Scott, a 4-year-old preschool student at Meadowthorpe Elementary. Our hearts remain with his family, friends, teachers, and all those touched by his passing.

Tonight's board meeting also featured a video performance by the Edythe J. Hayes Middle School chorus, under the direction of Choral Director Emily Levey, who shared, "As you watch these students perform, I hope you can feel the joy that they give to me and to so many others. The variety of races, nationalities, and cultures in our choir creates an amazing place of respect and effort that is renewed every day." The group performed the Russian folksong "Minka," arranged by Greg Gilpin.

• Watch the video here

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE BOARD?

Anyone who would like to help shape the future of the Fayette County Public Schools by serving as the District 1 representative on the Fayette County Board of Education is encouraged to submit an application before 5 p.m. on Friday, December 23, 2022.

Anyone interested in applying for the District 1 school board seat can:

• Submit an application online here.
• Pick up a paper application at the John D. Price Administration Building 450 Park Place, Lexington, KY 40511.
• Receive help filling out an online application at the John D. Price Administration Building 450 Park Place, Lexington, KY 40511.
• Email fcpsdistrict1@fayette.kyschools.us to ask questions or request that an application be mailed.

Board members are also seeking the public’s assistance to help guide the selection process. Community members are encouraged to take a brief survey to help identify key characteristics and priorities for the District 1 board seat. Community feedback will be accepted online as the Board develops a profile for the vacant board member position. Online feedback will be collected through December 31, 2022. Access the input survey here. 

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Under the Superintendent's Report:

• Leaders from departments of Academic Services and Student Support Services presented a mid-year progress check on efforts to address the academic and social-emotional needs of individual students by using data to identify areas of focus, monitoring progress, supporting collaboration among teachers, and providing resources and professional learning opportunities for staff.
• View the PPT here
• Watch the presentation beginning at 21:25

• Economic Development Manager Sarah Gaines and Board Attorney Josh Salsburey provided an update on the development of a board policy to help improve opportunities for minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned businesses. A recent report commissioned by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government will provide critical data on which the policy will be based. The policy will be brought to the board for consideration in January.
• Watch the presentation beginning at 50:24

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS AND CAPITAL FUNDING

Chief Operating Officer Myron Thompson shared the December construction highlights featuring a progress report on the new middle school being built at 2185 Polo Club Boulevard. Sitework began in November and the project is 3% complete.

View the construction update

PUBLIC COMMENT

During the portion of the meeting for remarks by citizens, the following individuals shared comments with the Board related to the Henry Clay High School building and the vacancy on the Fayette County Board of Education:

• Donna Florence
• Deverin Muff

BOARD ACTION

The board voted to:

• Adopt legislative priorities in advance of the 2023 session of the Kentucky General Assembly.
• See the board's legislative agenda here
• Approve the 2022-23 Comprehensive District Improvement Plan, which includes goals and action steps to guide the work of Fayette County Public Schools.
• See the plan here
• View a presentation on the plan
• Ask the Kentucky Department of Education for permission to reassemble the Local Planning Committee, a group of community representatives tasked with identifying construction and renovation needs and making a recommendation to the school board.
• Accept the report from the 2022 Financial Records Audit conducted by the external firm of Strothman and Company. Fayette County Public Schools once again received the highest grade possible, which is an “unmodified opinion.”
• Accept the Monthly Financial Report.

The official minutes from the December 15, 2022 action meeting will be posted within the agenda of the next meeting of the Fayette County Board of Education. 

WATCH A PREVIOUS MEETING

The school board's action meetings are televised live on the FCPS YouTube channel and the district's Video on Demand service. Meetings are archived on the FCPS YouTube playlist.

Fayette County Public Schools | www.fcps.net