Nonprofit calls for independent forensic audit of Fayette County Public Schools

The nonprofit Kentuckians for the Commonwealth is calling for an independent forensic audit of Fayette County Public Schools as the district faces a budget shortfall and dwindling emergency funds.

A forensic audit delves into financial records to look for potential financial irregularities. A key question regarding FCPS is why it’s contingency fund balance was $26.3 million instead of the projected $42 million.

Kentuckians for the Commonwealth is asking the school district to commission an independent forensic audit to ensure the district is transparent about its finances and stops “hiding financial realities.”

Officials also seek ways to protect schools with a majority of economically disadvantaged students and to explore collective bargaining for all FCPS teachers.

James Woodhead, steering committee representative for the Central Kentucky Chapter of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth and a Kentucky 120 United-AFT member organizer, told the Herald-Leader Thursday night that Kentuckians for the Commonwealth is a grassroots organization of thousands of members across Kentucky.

“FCPS is facing a $16.3 million deficit, contingency funds are missing, and a lack of answers, leading to concerns about communication, accountability and transparency,” Woodhead said.

“Taxpayers, including families, students and educators, deserve the truth from our elected officials. We must not allow our most vulnerable students to again be placed at risk,” he added. “We want transparency now. Stop hiding financial realities. The board chair and vice chair should call a vote to commission an independent forensic audit.”

Woodhead said FCPS schools that have a majority of economically disadvantaged students must be protected from harmful cuts.

He also called for the district to support the right to organize for rank-and-file teachers and staff.

Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has previously said he will launch an internal review of both current and past financial procedures to ensure best practices and that an investigation is ongoing.

In a statement Thursday night, district officials did not specifically address the call for an independent forensic audit.

But district spokesperson Miranda Scully said, “We welcome the community to attend the public meeting tomorrow night (Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the John D. Price Building.) This is an important opportunity for our community to provide input on the budget and property tax. We look forward to hearing from families and community members.”

This story was originally published September 5, 2025 at 4:00 AM.