Leaders of troubled Fayette schools pledge “to be transparent” with Gov. Beshear
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has spoken with Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins, interim Chief Financial Officer Kyna Koch and Board Chair Tyler Murphy about the district’s financial problems, Scottie Ellis, a spokesperson for Beshear, said Friday.
The district’s troubled financial situation includes the reduction of more than 115 district support positions between the 2025-26 school year and the upcoming 2026-27 school year, a $110 million loan request and a fund balance so low that it may be in violation of state law.
Liggins and Koch revealed last month that the district’s finances had been misstated since at least 2008.
“Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins, interim Chief Financial Officer Kyna Koch and Board Chair Tyler Murphy proactively requested a call with Gov. Beshear, where they explained the current situation with Fayette County Public Schools and pledged to be transparent and to provide updates as they move forward,” Ellis told the Herald-Leader Friday.
FCPS officials declined to comment on Beshear’s conversation with FCPS leaders.
Emails between the Kentucky Department of Education and FCPS the Herald-Leader received under the Kentucky Open Records Act indicate that the conversation with Beshear took place within the past several days.
In addressing Fayette County Public Schools’ financial problems, the Kentucky Department of Education is following steps in a management improvement program regulation, KDE district spokesperson Jennifer Ginn said.
On Friday, after saying the state was following that process, Ginn clarified to the Herald-Leader that KDE is not talking about a takeover of Fayette County Public Schools at this point.
“KDE is not discussing taking over any part of the district functions at this point. Staff at KDE are working with the district to find the best way forward to ensure students keep receiving the education and supports they need, while helping the district find more stable financial footing,” Ginn said.