Payroll tax debacle shows Fayette schools budget needs independent audit | Opinion
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Fayette school board faces criticism over unclear and unchecked budget spending
- Call issued for independent audit to assess past, ongoing and future expenses
- City urged to assert oversight as proposed payroll tax raises concern over fiscal control
Even as a life-long education advocate, I believe that there is something wrong with the Fayette County Public Schools’ budget, what has been spent, what is being spent, and what is anticipated for the future.
The Fayette school board seems either powerless to control the budget and exert its authority, or is unable or unwilling to study the budget to a point of complete comprehension, as is their responsibility. I believe that the citizens of Fayette County have lost the control given to them by ordinance. The board’s request for an increase in the Occupational License Tax, and the inevitable increase in the school system’s share of the property tax, strongly suggests that spending is out of control.
Consequently, I am calling for an independent analysis of the entire FCPS budget, an evaluation that would give us the true picture of the expenditures, past, present and future. Even from the outside looking in, as most of us must do, I see so many expenditures that are questionable, from nickels to millions. What you and I can see is the tip of the iceberg.
Such an independent evaluation would entail the appointment of a committee of highly respected citizens with the expertise to study complex finances and who would have the time and commitment to undergo such a study. Who would appoint such a committee … the Mayor, the Council?
It is easy to say that the LFUCG has no right to impose its authority on the public schools. However, as laws clearly allow taxation to support the school system, it is imperative that the city maintains modicum impact over the school system’s funding process when necessary. If the suggested independent analysis shows a lack of accountability by the school administration and inaction by the Board, something must be done.
Let me close by claiming that I have a career-long interest and investment in education. I believe that nothing in our collective society is more important to all of us, from the smallest child to the elderly retiree. My career includes two degrees in education and teaching at all levels from K-12 to college. My support is unflinching. That is why I am concerned that we are missing something … something pervasive … something that has gone awry.
W. Harry Clarke spent 43 years teaching at UK as professor of instrumental music education, while also serving as Director of Bands for 21 years, and Director of the School of Music for 14 years. He was a Lexington Fayette Urban County councilmember from 2012-2014.
This story was originally published June 5, 2025 at 11:30 AM.