FCPS School Board District 3 applicants discuss platforms

FAYETTE CO, Ky (WTVQ)- An open seat on the Fayette County Public Schools Board may not be vacant much longer.

The seat for FCPS District Three opened after Tom Jones stepped down in October. That came after he made controversial remarks that members of an Equity Council Committee some deemed “racially insensitive.” Jones apologized for those remarks.

Potential candidates are now throwing their names in to the conversation.

Right now, FCPS is making sure school district three applicants are submitting the necessary documents to be considered for the job. Among those hoping to be appointed include Penny Christian..

“I’m a mom of four girls. The youngest just graduated in may. And the oldest graduated in ’06,” says Christian.

Christian is a former PTA president who says she used the platform to train families on how to better advocate for their own children. She says Covid put a spotlight on some things that need changes.

“This is actually across the country, not just a Kentucky thing, We have certain groups that are disciplined more and not only that, but they are disciplined more severely than other groups. So I believe we need to have more of an equitable approach and empathetic response to certain disciplines,” says Christian.

Another applicant is Laura Hartke, whose experience in teaching spans 18 years combined with experience in Gallatin and Fayette counties.

“I put my name in because I feel like i have perspective in a Title 1 district, where our kid with the most needs are housed,” says Hartke.

Hartke has worked with the American Federation of Teachers union to help improve working conditions for teachers. She says she wants to provide parents and teachers a seat at the table.

“My main concern is that all kids receive the best education possible. I know that our under-served, that’s always a challenge. So my focus would be on making sure the voiceless have a voice. And the public understands all kids have the ability to learn and they all need to be valued,” says Hartke.

FCPS has not confirmed how many applicants have applied for consideration.

School board members are expected to vote for the district three replacement by December 14th. The new board member will be sworn in in the new year and could seek re-election in November 2024.