Fayette County Public Schools tentative budget approved

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Fayette County Public Schools has passed a tentative budget for the upcoming school year. The spending plan was approved Monday night with a four-to-one vote during the district’s Board of Education meeting.

Key elements of the budget include:

• Paid Parental Leave: Employees will be allowed up to 35 days of paid leave for new parents.
• Classroom Supply Budget: Each classroom teacher will receive a $250 supply budget.
• Scheduled Step Increases: Building on last year’s average eight percent pay raise, the budget includes scheduled step increases for staff.
• Startup Staffing Costs: Funding is allocated for staffing two new schools: The Hub for Innovative Learning & Leadership and the new Mary E. Britton Middle School, which may open next year.

School officials noted that the budget plans to invest more than 72 percent of the general fund into schools and classrooms, emphasizing the district’s commitment to educational resources and support.