Board Buzz: Liggins Seeks Input on NTI vs. Snow Days

Feb. 2, 2026

We offer a recap of this 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. Note: The Jan. 26 meeting was canceled because of weather; the board then scheduled this special called meeting for Feb. 2.

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Top Takeaway: NTI vs. Snow Days

Superintendent Demetrus Liggins asked school board members to consider the financial implications of using more nontraditional instruction (NTI) days vs. continuing with additional snow days because of the severity of this winter season. He brought up the subject during the Fayette County Board of Education’s Feb. 2 action meeting, which was rescheduled from Jan. 26 because of weather conditions. 

Liggins noted the district loses about $223,000 per NTI day in the Child Nutrition (food service) budget, and we save about $9,000 per day in diesel fuel costs when buses don't run. 

Board Chair Tyler Murphy suggested getting input from staff and families, though the ultimate decision lies with Liggins. Board members also recognized that teachers need time to prepare additional NTI elementary packets and secondary lessons. Additionally, they discussed potential make-up dates in this year’s instructional calendar. 

Liggins will bring funding considerations for NTI days to the Feb. 9 planning session.

Background: The Kentucky Department of Education allows school districts a total of 10 NTI (remote learning) days. FCPS initially chose to use only four in 2025-26 as part of the district budget adjustments. The district has also called Tuesday, Feb. 3, as the sixth regular snow day with classes canceled. Snow days may extend the school year, while NTI days don't have to be made up.

School Board Appreciation Month

Superintendent Liggins thanked the board members for their dedication -- calling them true public servants with hearts for the students, staff, families, and larger community. FCPS is grateful for the time and energy our board members pour into this role. As a tangible thank-you, each board member received a portrait painted by high school students.

National Blue Ribbon Schools

Liggins also gave a special shoutout to our latest National Blue Ribbon Schools -- Maxwell and Meadowthorpe elementaries. He spoke recently with the principals at their schools ...

 

Other Agenda Highlights

In the meeting's lone action item, the board approved the monthly financial report for December.

Among the consent items were the board's 2026-27 meeting calendar and next steps in the plan to replace the roof and artificial turf and track surface at Paul Laurence Dunbar High.

The agenda also contained several written reports including the biannual construction report, the Winter MAP Assessment Performance Data, and the budget transfer report.

Community Partner Spotlight: Edelen Renewables

Board members heard how the FCPS partnership with Edelen Renewables is impacting high school students at Locust Trace Agriscience Center who are passionate about harnessing solar energy, "greening the grid," and leaving a positive social legacy.

• View the Edelen Presentation

Student Spotlight: Dunbar Artists

Each board meeting includes a segment featuring our talented students. FCPS Fine Arts Director Katherine Lowther shared details about a visual art project at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in which creative students discovered resilience and confidence.

 

Kids' Champion for January

Chief of Staff Tracy Bruno saluted the districtwide Kids' Champion Award winner for January: teacher Laura Duffy of Bryan Station Middle.

• Read More About Duffy

 

Need More Details?

For more information about the latest meeting:

• Skim the Feb. 2 agenda.
• Watch the entire video.
• Read the official minutes, which will be posted within the agenda of the next board meeting.

How to Follow 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.