Two leaders hired for Fayette County Public Schools. These are their new jobs

Two new leaders for Fayette County Public Schools were announced Monday night by the district.

Karen Edwards has been selected as the next program director for Opportunity Middle College, and Nikita Reed is the new hire for Chief Middle School Leadership Officer.

“Ms. Edwards has been a tremendous asset to Fayette County students and families since joining OMC as a guidance counselor several years ago,” said Chief High School Leadership Officer James McMillin. “She has the knowledge, skills and drive to grow the program to help even more students reach their post-secondary goals while still in high school.”

In 2019, Edwards relocated to Kentucky and joined Fayette schools as a counselor at Opportunity Middle College, helping students access dual credit classes while participating in a program housed on the Bluegrass Community and Technical College Newtown Campus.

“Karen’s extensive years of classroom experience have granted her an understanding of the diverse needs of learners,” said Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins.

Reed will be joining FCPS as a Chief Middle School Leadership Officer, joining Dr. Bill Bradford to oversee and support the district’s 12 middle schools.

With more than 30 years of experience in public education, Reed has spent most of her career impacting the lives and achievements of students attending urban schools. Her career in public education includes time spent as a classroom teacher, library specialist, instructional facilitator, assistant principal and principal.

Reed recently relocated to Lexington from Memphis, Tenn., where she served as director of schools for Gestalt Community Schools.