Kentucky auditor reviewing concerns surrounding Fayette County Public Schools finances
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — State leaders said Fayette County parents are voicing concerns about financial decisions being made by school board leadership after an attempted tax hike was found unlawful by the attorney general's office.
Kentucky AG: Fayette County Public Schools violated law in attempted tax hike
According to Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) leaders, an occupational tax increase was proposed as a necessary evolution in the school's future budget to balance against anticipated funding cuts, as well as increased demand on school staff and the school facilities themselves.
'This shift broadens the tax base to equitably support public education and ensure long-term sustainability without placing additional strain on property owners,' Dia Davidson-Smith, spokesperson for FCPS, said. 'We encourage our community to look beyond headlines and social media chatter and consider the full context of our decisions. Each investment is made thoughtfully, strategically, and with the success of our students in mind. Our progress is not by chance. It is the result of deliberate planning, partnership, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of public education.'
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman wrote on Wednesday in an opinion that the school board's tax hike proposal was unlawful.
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'If the Fayette County School Board members believe they need more of Kentuckians' hard-earned dollars, they should clearly and publicly make their case before their own constituents,' the attorney general wrote.
Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, said in a news release on Thursday that she proposed the possibility of initiating an FCPS audit to State Auditor Allison Ball. She commended the Fayette County Fiscal Court for its decision to halt a vote on the proposed hike.
Fayette County fiscal court halts vote on school tax increase after AG opinion
'Given widespread concerns about spending priorities and the recent tax controversy, an independent review could provide much-needed transparency and reassurance,' Bledsoe said in a news release. 'Taxpayers deserve to know that education dollars are being used effectively, and I will continue to push for accountability where it's needed.'
Auditor Ball told FOX 56 that she's heard about financial concerns at FCPS from more sources than just Sen. Mays-Bledsoe.
'I have heard from parents and other constituents concerned about the state of FCPS,' Ball said. 'In light of our ongoing audits of the Kentucky Department of Education and the Jefferson County Public School system, my office is reviewing these concerns to determine our next steps.'
The school board carried out the rest of its June 5 meeting as planned, deciding on unrelated agenda items. The next school board meeting will be June 23.
Madylin Goins contributed to this story.
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