Board Buzz: Recommendations for External Audit

Oct. 27, 2025

We offer a recap of this month's action meeting of the Fayette County Board of Education as part of our commitment to providing regular updates for FCPS student families, our employees, and the community.

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Top Takeaway: Board Approves Recommendations for External Audit

In response to the unanimous request from the school board to develop a request for proposal (RFP) for an external, independent audit, the board's Audit Committee presented an extensive scope of work. It focuses on a comprehensive review across three main areas to improve financial governance, compliance, and risk management. The board approved the RFP and will receive a recommendation next month for an external firm to conduct this work.

I. Budget Process Review requires documenting the full operational structure, analyzing the $16 million shortfall, and assessing the timeliness of budget-to-actual monitoring and corrective actions. The review verifies that governance bodies (board, superintendent, senior leadership) provided adequate oversight and compliance with policies and the Kentucky Revised Statutes, including transparent communication.

II. Travel & Event Expense Review examines senior leadership's spending over three fiscal years to ensure proper controls, compliance, and transparency. This involves assessing policy adherence, the adequacy of supporting documentation and advance authorization, and identifying any inappropriate or excessive expenditures.

III. Data-Driven Risk Analysis aims to inform the necessity of a forensic engagement by performing a comprehensive analytical risk assessment across all major budget categories. The firm will use data analysis techniques on large transaction sets to identify anomalies and patterns that could warrant a deeper investigation.

View the Full Scope of Work

Student Spotlight

Fine Arts Director Katherine Lowther introduced a performance of "Legacy of the Land" by Morton Middle School's symphonic band.

Kids' Champion for October

Superintendent Demetrus Liggins and the board members saluted Sherri McPherson of Lafayette High, our districtwide Kids' Champion for October.

• Read More about McPherson

Superintendent's Report

The board received:

• A recap of the KDE recognition of effective Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) across the district
• A status update on special education services
• An overview of our 16-year community partnership with Seedleaf 

Other Agenda Highlights

The lone action item was approval of the monthly financial report for September.

The agenda also contained several written report such as this fall's MAP assessment performance data and the monthly construction update.

Need More Details?

For more information about the latest meeting:

• Skim the Oct. 27 agenda.
• Watch the video.
• Read the official minutes, which will be posted within the agenda of the next board meeting.

How to Follow the Board Meetings

Community members may attend the school board's planning sessions and action meetings at the John D. Price Administration Building, 450 Park Place, where public comment is welcome. The monthly action meetings are also livestreamed on the FCPS YouTube channel and the district's Video on Demand service.

Additionally, the Board Meeting Buzz -- which is emailed to our student families and staff -- is archived on the district website as "recap" under Agendas & Records.