FCPS to Launch Budget Solutions Work Group

Reach Out Now If Interested in Participating

Fayette County Public Schools is assembling a budget solutions work group – a collection of Lexington residents who will delve into the school district’s finances, review the comprehensive budget timeline and decision-making process already undertaken by the Fayette County Board of Education, and provide input regarding the upcoming 2025-26 budget as well as longer-term priorities. This is a unanimous request by the school board, reflecting its commitment to collaborative and transparent governance. 

The group’s first three meetings are scheduled for June 25, July 15, and July 29. Each session will begin at 5:30 p.m. at The HILL, 100 Midland Ave. Residents interested in serving on the committee are asked to reach out to FCPS by 5 p.m. Monday, June 23:

Submit Interest Form

“It’s important for the budget solutions work group to consist of individuals from various generations, neighborhoods, professions, and economic realities,” said Superintendent Demetrus Liggins. “It should include people who experience our community and our schools through vastly different lenses. That will be the priority as the group is assembled.”

Educators, PTA, students, postsecondary education, and local businesses will also be represented in the work group.

The formation of the group comes on the heels of FCPS’s recent proposal to increase the occupational license tax to match the county’s population growth, a measure aimed at addressing a projected budget gap and preserving the district’s momentum and protect the strategic investments that have fueled rising student achievement and expanded opportunities across all schools. Although FCPS continues to outperform many peer districts across Kentucky and the nation, the financial challenges the district faces are part of a broader national trend. School systems everywhere are grappling with the combined impact of inflation, the expiration of federal relief funds, and growing demands to meet the evolving needs of students.

This work group further strengthens communication around the district’s budget process and offers additional avenues for meaningful community input. It also serves to broaden public understanding of what it takes to operate a school district of this size while remaining focused on student success.

Led by a facilitator who is not affiliated with FCPS, the group will establish meeting norms and protocols. Key members of the school district’s staff will be present to assist in the discussions and to share information and context.

The Assignment

The group will be asked to ensure its recommendations align with the district’s strategic priorities and its commitment to a world-class education. Building on the transparency and engagement efforts that began earlier this year, the committee will be charged with identifying additional opportunities for expenditure reductions as well as:

• Reviewing FCPS revenue sources, expenditure patterns, and other relevant budget components in a data-driven, fact-based environment
• Providing informed feedback aligned with the district’s strategic priorities
• Making recommendations to the board for both short-term budget considerations and long-range fiscal planning, and
• Ensuring ongoing opportunities for public engagement throughout the process

Relevant background material will be available to the work group, including:

• Documents provided to the school board during the budget process
• Reports on spending, employee compensation history, professional learning/training, and travel
• Detailed budgets and expenditures for each department, including details about cuts already made
• Reports regarding the last four budget cycles
• Information regarding revenue sources during the past five years
• Annual financial reports
• Trends in student demographics, population, etc., that impact revenue and spending

Additional information, as deemed necessary by the group, will be made available.

All meetings will be announced publicly in advance and will be open to the public. Agendas and supporting material (including financial data and reports) will be posted on the district’s website in advance of each meeting.

The school board will receive recommendations made by this group. The group will strive for consensus on specific recommendations. If consensus cannot be achieved, the report will clearly outline the majority and minority opinions.

In addition to the budget feedback link that was first launched in February and recently closed, the district will provide another opportunity for stakeholders to share input:

Submit Feedback

“This process is important not just from a financial perspective, but also as a way to deepen our community dialogue,” Liggins said. “Fayette County Public Schools has achieved remarkable progress and is a point of pride for our community. But as a district committed to continuous improvement, we welcome every opportunity to engage with our stakeholders. Public education is a shared responsibility, and lasting success requires all of us working together.”