New law makes him ineligible, but Fayette school board chair won’t leave race

Although the Kentucky General Assembly passed a new law that makes him ineligible to serve, Fayette County Board of Education Chair Tyler Murphy said Thursday night he won’t withdraw from his race for reelection.

Murphy filed for reelection hours before the General Assembly finally overrode Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto and enacted Senate Bill 4, which prevents Murphy from serving on the Fayette County Public Schools board because he is a full-time teacher in another school district.

Senate Bill 4 prohibits school board members in large districts — Fayette and Jefferson counties — from also working more than 100 days each year as employees of another school district. Murphy teaches at Boyle County High School, making him ineligible to run again.

“As the Governor indicated in his veto message, there are serious constitutional problems with this new law. I am hopeful that there are remedies that will confirm that. My focus remains on supporting our students and serving the people of Fayette County who elected me,” Murphy said in a statement Thursday night.

Murphy’s issues with the Kentucky General Assembly involved a removal petition, constitutional challenges and multiple legislative maneuvers targeting Murphy amid criticism of the district’s budget problems.

Senate Bill 4 went into effect immediately when it was passed. The bill’s sponsor, Stephen West, R-Paris, said under the law, Murphy could finish his term which ends this year but wouldn’t be able to serve afterward.

Murphy is opposed for the school board’s second district seat by R.J. Hijalda, a swim coach and coffee shop lead.