Fayette County Public Schools forming community budget work group
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Fayette County Public Schools is inviting Lexington residents to take part in a new budget solutions work group, designed to help review district finances and provide feedback on spending priorities for the 2025-26 school year and beyond, according to a release from FCPS.
The group is a unanimous initiative from the FCPS Board of Education, aimed at increasing transparency and public involvement in the district’s budgeting process. The first three meetings are set for June 25, July 15, and July 29 at 5:30 p.m. at The HILL on Midland Avenue.
In the release, FCPS Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said the district wants the group to reflect the diverse perspectives of the Lexington community. Educators, parents, students, businesses, and other community members will all be represented.
“This group should include people who experience our community and our schools through vastly different lenses,” Liggins stated.
The new work group comes as FCPS faces financial challenges driven by inflation, the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds, and increased demands on public education, according to the release. The district has proposed raising the occupational license tax to help close a projected budget gap.
Those interested in serving on the committee can fill out an interest form online: https://fcpsk12.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_82rEq4yHRsHldcy
The group will be led by an independent facilitator and will have access to detailed budget documents, past financial reports, and data on spending trends and revenue sources. FCPS staff will be available to provide context and answer questions throughout the process.
All meetings will be open to the public and announced in advance, with agendas and materials posted online beforehand. A second community feedback form is also available at: https://fcpsk12.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6QYT4tm332f3xBQ
The group will ultimately present its findings and recommendations to the school board for consideration.
