Think you know how to solve FCPS budget problems? You might get a chance

Fayette County school officials are looking for residents to join a task force to help solve a $16 million projected budget shortfall.

Residents interested in serving on the committee are asked to fill out the following form: https://fcpsk12.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_82rEq4yHRsHldcy

The work group is convening at a time when the school district and board is receiving heavy criticism from residents and public officials for its budget decisions.

The district, with an $848 million tentative budget, has a $16 million projected shortfall and will undergo a special examination by Republican Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball after it tried to raise the occupational tax.

After Republican Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said the school system did not provide the legally required notice before it voted to recommend the Fayette County Fiscal Court raise the tax, the Fayette County School Board decided to table the tax increase temporarily.

The work group will include Lexington residents who, according to a Wednesday district news release, will delve into the school district’s finances.

It will review the comprehensive budget timeline and decisions already made by the Board of Education, and provide recommendations regarding the upcoming 2025- 2026 budget, as well as longer-term priorities.

The group’s first three meetings are scheduled for June 25, July 15, and July 29. Each meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at The HILL, located at 100 Midland Avenue.

“It’s important for the budget solutions work group to consist of individuals from various generations, neighborhoods, professions, and economic realities,” said FCPS 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 district cast its problems in a positive light in the news release.

“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,” the news release said.

The group will be led by a facilitator who is not affiliated with the school district.

The committee will be charged with identifying additional opportunities for spending reductions as well as:

▪ Reviewing FCPS revenue sources and expenditure patterns, and other relevant budget components.

▪ Making recommendations to the Board for both short-term budget considerations and long-range fiscal planning;

▪ Ensuring ongoing opportunities for public engagement throughout the process.

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

▪ Documents provided to the Fayette County Board of Education 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 last 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 online in advance of each meeting.

The Board of Education will receive recommendations made by the group. The group will try to reach consensus on specific recommendations. If not, the report will clearly outline the majority and minority opinions, district officials said.

People can comment at this link at the workgroup link: https://fcpsk12.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6QYT4tm332f3xBQ

“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.”