FCPS Announces Members of Budget Solutions Work Group

Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) has announced the members of its Budget Solutions Work Group, a diverse and representative team charged with exploring potential strategies to address the district’s long-term financial challenges. The group includes community members, parents, P–12 and higher education educators, business representatives, faith leaders, and students — each bringing a unique perspective to this critical work.

“This is an important opportunity to further engage our community in a meaningful dialogue about the fiscal realities we face as we seek to examine finances, identify efficiencies, and ensure long-term investments in the success of all students,” said Superintendent Demetrus Liggins. “The individuals selected represent a wide cross-section of Fayette County and will help us examine potential solutions through multiple lenses.”

The work group convened for the first time June 25 at The Hub for Innovative Learning & Leadership (The HILL). The 31 members include:

• Stephen Behnke
• Lisa Bell
• Jessica Berry
• Jay Blanton
• Neha Cheriya
• Amari Coleman
• Kelsey Cross
• Ella Dulaney
• Ron Edmonson
• Heather Hardesty
• Bailey Hauswald
• Roman Henderson
• Jenna Jennings
• Laura Jones
• Bryan Kennedy
• Nicole Kiser
• Christina Lancaster
• Mark Little
• George McCormick
• Eric Monday
• Abdul Muhammad
• Carrie Paul
• Chad Peavler
• Erika Pennington
• Sharon Price
• Rob Shear
• Alan Stein
• Barbara Sterrett
• Hunter Stout
• David Wirtschafter
• Stacey Zamora

FCPS received more than 240 applications from individuals interested in serving. To ensure impartiality and fair representation across all six high school zones, a portion of the group was selected using an online randomizer. Additional members were nominated or selected by community organizations or peer groups to ensure a broad mix of voices and expertise.

Applicants who were not selected will be invited to an open conversation with Liggins in the coming weeks. This session will provide another opportunity for meaningful input and dialogue.

To help ensure all voices are heard, all meetings of the Budget Solutions Work Group will be facilitated by Roger Cleveland, an Eastern Kentucky University associate professor and president of Millennium Learning Concepts, who has expertise in leading community conversations. The work group will meet throughout the summer and fall to identify potential budget solutions that align with FCPS’s commitment to student success and long-term sustainability.

All meetings are open to the public, and those in attendance will also have the opportunity to submit online questions and comments, which will be shared with the work group members.

Summaries will be shared after all meetings, which begin at 5:30 p.m. at The HILL, at 100 Midland Ave. The next two dates are July 15 and July 29. 

All meetings will be recorded and uploaded to the district’s YouTube channel (@FCPSKY) no later than close of business the next day.

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