Fayette high school dean accused of pointing gun is on administrative leave
Bryan Station High School Dean of Students John “Jay” Bordas, accused of pointing a gun at a Lexington driver, is on administrative leave, Fayette County Public Schools’ superintendent has confirmed.
Demetrus Liggins additionally said Bordas won’t be attending a Las Vegas conference approved by the school board if he is still on leave in July.
Bordas was charged with first-degree wanton endangerment in March after a Lexington man says the dean followed him home and pointed a gun at him.
In April, after he was charged, the school board approved for Bordas to attend a Las Vegas conference on learning. But Liggins said Bordas won’t be attending that conference if he is still on leave.
On May 2, Bordas’ criminal attorney Christopher Wilkie said in an interview with the Herald-Leader Bordas had entered a not guilty plea.
“When all the facts come out, we are looking forward to a favorable resolution,” Wilkie said.
In April, after Bordas was charged, the Fayette County Public Schools Board of Education approved Bordas and nine other Bryan Station High School employees to attend a “visible learning conference” in Las Vegas July 20-24 at a cost of $2, 649 each.
The purpose “is to provide valuable insights into evidence based teaching strategies that enhance student achievement,” a meeting agenda document said.
“Per district policy and standard procedure, when an employee is accused of serious wrongdoing, they may be placed on leave with pay during the investigative process,” district spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith said.
“This step is not disciplinary in nature, but is taken to ensure a safe, orderly and disruption-free learning environment while allowing for due process. Final decisions about continued employment or participation in future district activities are determined based on the outcome of the investigation.”
Davidson-Smith added: “Regarding the Leadership and Professional Services Academy conference in Las Vegas, scheduled for July, the board approved participation for several staff members as part of their professional learning and growth. Participation by any staff member currently on administrative leave will be assessed based on their employment status at the time of the event. FCPS remains committed to upholding the principles of due process and the presumption of innocence, unless proven otherwise.,” Davidson-Smith said.
As of May 5, Bordas was still listed on the Bryan Station Senior High School website as dean of students, head golf coach and an assistant boys basketball coach.
Bordas, 44, was charged in a warrant served March 21 with first-degree wanton endangerment after a Lexington man says the dean followed him home and pointed a gun at him.
The incident happened just before 4:45 p.m. Feb. 13 when a man said he approached the intersection of Clearwater Way and Fiddler Creek Way in Lexington, and another driver ran a stop sign, police say.
“As the victim braked heavily to prevent a collision, the suspect vehicle also stopped,” The criminal complaint reads. “The victim proceeded to drive around the suspect vehicle and continued to travel towards his residence.”
When the victim arrived at his home, he said the suspect vehicle pulled into the cul-de-sac, too, and parked in front of the victim’s home.
“As the victim stood in his driveway, he observed the suspect, who was seated in the driver’s seat point a black firearm at him,” the complaint reads.
The complaint said Bordas was identified as the suspect through the “use of investigative resources,” as well as the victim’s cooperation.
“While under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life, Mr. Bordas wantonly engaged in conduct which created a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to the victim,” the complaint said.
Bordas was arraigned in Fayette District Court on April 15. Court records say his next scheduled court appearance is May 22 for a pretrial conference.
This story was originally published May 5, 2025 at 5:18 PM.