KY auditor to conduct ‘special examination’ of Fayette County Public Schools

Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball said Tuesday she will conduct a special examination of Fayette County Public Schools.

”Upon review of publicly available information, as well as listening to concerns from parents and other constituents, I have determined that my office will conduct a special examination of the Fayette County Public School District,” Ball said.

On Monday, the school board canceled a public hearing and vote that would have asked the county fiscal court to increase the occupational license tax for schools. The school district is convening a committee to study Fayette County Public School’s budget for fiscal year 2026 and beyond.

The district has a $16 million shortfall and has received heavy criticism for voting to ask the fiscal court to approve a tax increase without giving the public adequate notice.

Attorney General Russell Coleman said the vote was unlawful, and the school board walked back plans to revisit the issue.

“Fayette County Public Schools is committed to continuous improvement and, above all, student success.” Dia Davidson-Smith, FCPS spokesperson, said in response to the auditor’s announcement.

“We are proud of the strategic investments we’ve made in our schools, which are leading to stronger outcomes, expanded opportunities, and meaningful progress in closing longstanding opportunity gaps,” Davidson-Smith said.

“The State Auditor has the full authority to conduct a special examination at her discretion, and we welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with her office. We are confident that a fair and thorough review of our operations will affirm our commitment to excellence, equity, and transparency in service to our students and community,” she said.

Republican Fayette County Senate delegation members Sens. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, Jared Carpenter, Donald Douglas, Greg Elkins, Matt Nunn and Steve West said in a joint statement:

“As elected senators representing Fayette County and the surrounding region, we are committed to the success of our public education system and to standing with the dedicated teachers who serve our students.

“We have heard from many constituents who are deeply concerned about Fayette County Public Schools, particularly regarding district spending and the board’s recent occupational tax vote, which was determined to be unlawful. FCPS decisions carry not only educational consequences, but also regional economic and workforce implications.

“While we are pleased the board has tabled its tax increase effort for now, we steadfastly support Auditor Allison Ball’s special examination of FCPS.

“Transparency, honesty, and community engagement are essential. The district must practice these principles, not merely talk about them. A deeper, independent review could clarify how taxpayer dollars are being spent, identify areas for improvement, and help restore public confidence in the district’s leadership.

“We believe in our schools, we support our teachers, and we believe accountability, openness, and trust are the foundation for moving forward. If the board seeks to rebuild its image in the eyes of the public, we ask board members and district leadership to support an independent review.”

This is a developing story.

This story was originally published June 10, 2025 at 11:45 AM.