LEXINGTON, Ky. — Tension ran high at the latest Fayette County Public Schools board meeting as concerns about the school system’s budget continued.
Routine check-ins are now not only the norm for FCPS board members but for many Lexington residents and parents who are sharing their comments on school finances.
Members of the community voiced their frustrations at a board meeting Monday, Feb. 23, calling for transparency and accountability from FCPS Superintendent Demetrus Liggins.
“There are no missing funds. There’s no $16 million shortfall. There’s no missing funds. According to the record, I never, ever use my race or any other thing personally about me to defend myself,” Liggins said at the meeting.
The comments follow an investigation that found Liggins failed to comply with two board policies: not appropriately informing the district of its financial situation, and not exercising appropriate oversight of the district’s finance and budget departments.
Liggins said the district has resolved those shortcomings, has a balanced budget and is now providing month-to-month budget check-ins.
“We appreciate our citizens coming out to express their concerns that we have a full team that’s working diligently to ensure that we are operating within our means and within our budget and doing what’s best for our students,” said Liggins.
FCPS is continuing an internal audit with consultants and with state Auditor Allison Ball, R-Ky.
“That’s actually ongoing and the state audit is ongoing as well. We’re just participating and cooperating as much as they need us to, but both of those are still ongoing at this point,” Liggins said.
Parents at the meeting said they still need more clarity on the contingency fund.
“If you continue spending at this pace, if you continue spending at a .7% increase year over year, your general fund budget will be over. You will overspend your general fund budget by $27,784,000,” said Matthew Vied, a Lexington parent.
Vied said he is concerned that the money would be pulled from building funds, which could lead to another potential shortfall.
Liggins said the district is stabilizing budget concerns that arose in 2025 ahead of the upcoming tentative budget for fiscal year 2026-27.
“We’re gearing up to pass our tentative budget this coming May,” he said. “We’ll actually have several meetings with the board to discuss contingency and ways to increase that long-term.”
Liggins followed up about an upcoming special meeting shared by board chair Tyler Murphy amid the action meeting that will be held on March 4. He said that the meeting is a closed session and is in accordance with Kentucky’s Department of Education, where they will continue board discussions.
According to Kentucky law, districts may hold closed meetings to discuss potential litigation, the appointment of positions or for emergency plans.