Fayette superintendent has tumor removed

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Can suffering from seasonal allergies be a good thing? If you’re new Fayette Schools Superintendent Manny Caulk, the answer is, “yes.” In a letter released Monday night, Caulk says a malignant tumor was found last week during his sinus surgery at the University of Kentucky Hospital. Caulk says tests confirmed that there was no spread elsewhere in his body. He says the surgery lasted 18-hours.

Shortly after Caulk arrived in Lexington to begin his new job running the state’s second largest public school system, he publicly noted that his allergies had flared-up since moving to central Kentucky from Maine. That led to doctor visits and the eventual scheduling of sinus surgery.

In his letter to the school district, Caulk noted that had he not come to Lexington, his allergies wouldn’t have flared-up and doctors may not have found the tumor in time for such an excellent outcome. He says he expects to make a full recovery. He says his progress has been steady since the surgery and that he’ll do his best to work during his treatments and stay involved in the daily operations of the school district. He does not say when he expects to return to the office. The Fayette County Board of Education says Caulk has its full support going forward.

Below is the letter sent to FCPS families:

Dear FCPS Families:

Before I moved to Lexington, I thought that the best team at the University of Kentucky played on the hardwood at Rupp Arena. With utmost respect for Coach Cal and the Wildcats, I am now convinced that the men and women who work at the University of Kentucky hospital are the best team!

Thanks to them, my surgery last week was a success and I am making incredible progress each day.

Nothing is more important to me than doing what’s best for our students here in Fayette County. I feel so strongly about keeping the focus on our students that as I headed into surgery I did want not to cause a distraction from our important work.

Now that I have all the facts, I want to share with you that during my 18-hour surgery last week, the doctors completely removed a malignant tumor from my sinuses. Had I not been offered the wonderful opportunity to become the superintendent of the Fayette County Public Schools, my allergies wouldn’t have flared up, and we might not have found the tumor in time for such an excellent outcome. Tests have confirmed that there was no spread elsewhere in my body.

Truly, this has been a blessing in the Bluegrass. My wife Christol and my mother-in-law Mary have been by my side the entire time, and I expect to make a full recovery. I think I’m driving them a little crazy because I keep talking about work.

My progress has been steady and speedy and I will do my best to work during my treatments and stay involved in the daily operations of the school district. Thank you for all your well wishes, notes and prayers these past couple weeks. It is an honor to serve as your superintendent.

Every child deserves the very best our district can provide and nothing will stop us from delivering on that promise!

Your Partner,

Manny