Latest news with #CountyPublicSchools
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kentucky state auditor to conduct investigation of Fayette County Public Schools
(Fayette County Public Schools) Republican State Auditor Allison Ball announced her office would begin a special investigation of Fayette County Public Schools following public scrutiny of a proposed tax increase. She announced the investigation Tuesday morning. Last week, Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman's office said the school district's board failed to give proper public notice before voting to increase occupational taxes within the district. 'Upon review of publicly available information, as well as listening to concerns from parents and other constituents, I have determined that my office will conduct a special examination of the Fayette County Public School District,' Ball said in her statement. In May, the FCPS board voted 3-2 to approved an occupational tax increase of 0.25% to take effect in January. The board approved a $848 million proposed budget with the tax increase that would cost residents an average of $13 more per month, local media outlets reported. Following the attorney general's opinion, FCPS initially planned to reconsider the tax proposal during a June 23 meeting. However, board chair Tyler Murphy said FCPS would pause the proposal, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. Ball's investigation received praise from Republican state Sens. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, Jared Carpenter, Donald Douglas, Greg Elkins, Matt Nunn and Steve West. They all represent parts of Fayette County. Mays Bledsoe previously requested the attorney general's office review the matter. In a joint statement released shortly after Ball's announcement, the senators said they are 'committed to the success of our public education system and to standing with the dedicated teachers who serve our students' and have 'heard from many constituents who are deeply concerned about Fayette County Public Schools, particularly regarding district spending and the board's recent occupational tax vote, which was determined to be unlawful.' The senators said that decisions of the school district carry 'educational consequences' as well as 'regional economic and workforce implications.' 'Transparency, honesty, and community engagement are essential,' the senators said. 'The district must practice these principles, not merely talk about them. A deeper, independent review could clarify how taxpayer dollars are being spent, identify areas for improvement, and help restore public confidence in the district's leadership. 'We believe in our schools, we support our teachers, and we believe accountability, openness, and trust are the foundation for moving forward. If the board seeks to rebuild its image in the eyes of the public, we ask board members and district leadership to support an independent review.' The issue isn't completely partisan. Democratic Rep. Anne Gay Donworth, of Lexington, addressed the board during its May 27 meeting to express concern about the transparency behind the tax proposal. Dia Davidson-Smith, a spokesperson for FCPS, said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that the school district 'is committed to continuous improvement and, above all, student success.' 'We are proud of the strategic investments we've made in our schools, which are leading to stronger outcomes, expanded opportunities, and meaningful progress in closing longstanding opportunity gaps,' Davidson-Smith added. 'The State Auditor has the full authority to conduct a special examination at her discretion, and we welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with her office. We are confident that a fair and thorough review of our operations will affirm our commitment to excellence, equity, and transparency in service to our students and community.' Previous audits and financial reports for FCPS are published on the school district's website. KY United 120-AFT, a teachers' union, said that it was glad the FCPS board paused the tax proposal in a statement Tuesday afternoon. The union encouraged board members and the school district to 'work together to create change in the budget process and to be better to each other and the constituents they serve' as well as work with Ball in her upcoming investigation. 'We ask them to work with their rank-and-file staff and finally allow a vote on collective bargaining, as the need for formal staff input is much needed. We ask them to embrace the opportunity to highlight the amazing work our district provides to students but also to embrace any criticism as a call to action on how we improve — not as a political attack,' KY United 120-AFT said. 'Trust is easily broken, but even harder to rebuild. As always, we are ready to work and will continue to show up on behalf of our kids, members, and community. FCPS is and can be a beacon for what public education can be when we all work together. Let's thrive together.' This story was updated with additional comments Tuesday afternoon.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Confirmed case of measles at Prince George's County Montessori school
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. () — Officials confirmed a case of measles at a Montessori school in Oxon Hill Friday, potentially exposing its young students, faculty, and staff to the highly contagious disease. In a letter sent to parents, guardians, and staff Thursday, John Hanson Montessori Principal Courtney M. King said the last date of exposure in the school was March 12. Due to privacy guidelines, she could not confirm information about the person who tested positive – including whether they are a student or teacher. DC, Virginia health officials warn about potential measles exposure after cases confirmed in Maryland Students at John Hanson Montessori are in Pre-K through Middle School (grades six through eighth). In the letter, King noted that people who have been vaccinated for Measles (MMR) are at an extremely limited risk of contracting the disease. Unvaccinated people, however, face a significantly higher risk of infection and complications, Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) said. Measles typically begins with a high fever and cold-like symptoms, including a cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Then, people develop a red rash that may look like small bumps and could last for five to six days. As a precaution, any unvaccinated student or staff member at John Hanson Montessori will be excluded from in-person learning or work for 21 days. Despite the 'serious concern' caused by measles, PGCPD Superintendent Millard House II reminded parents that the flu season is still ongoing. In the past season, the Prince George's County community has experienced two flu-related deaths. Family remembers 10-year-old who died from flu in Prince George's County 'This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of protecting our health and taking steps to prevent the spread of illness,' House stated. Just last month, – who attended John Bayne Elementary School in Capitol Heights – passed away from the flu. PGCPS officials urged parents to notify a school nurse (301) 749-4052 if they or their children have been diagnosed with measles. They should then stay home and contact the Prince George's County Health Department at (301) 583-3750. Though school officials have taken measures to slow the spread of illness, House urged parents to ensure their children are up to date on their immunizations and to keep them home if they are not feeling well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Over 200 people get flu vaccine at walk-in clinic in Prince George's County
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. () — Prince George's County is stepping up efforts to protect the community from the flu. This comes after from the infection. On Wednesday afternoon, Prince George's County Public Schools () partnered with the health department to have a walk-in vaccine clinic. Camille Rawlings drove her son from D.C. to the clinic in Upper Marlboro at James Madison Middle. 'I just want to make my son and myself are good. I do this every year and this is available so I want to make sure we are good. I work around kids so I want to make sure I am not passing anything to him and vice versa,' said Rawlings. Family remembers 10-year-old who died from flu in Prince George's County Organizers told DC News Now more than 200 people got their flu vaccine shots and many doubled up and also got their COVID-19 vaccine booster. Santiago Velasquez, 19, received his vaccination along with his mother and brother. 'It is important because most of us kids say that we are ok and 'I will not get sick with flu' but it's important to be up to date with your vaccines, COVID and flu. For example, my brother, he might be healthy today but you never know when he might get sick,' shared Velasquez. Former FBI special agent offers insight of video of Loudoun County woman missing in Dominican Republic Dr. Traci Jones from PGCPS said the vaccine clinic was a big success with more than 200 hundred attending. 'So we are offering free flu vaccines to our families and we also have resources to provide them about flu hand washing and the importance of it and we are partnering with the health department,' she added. Jones shared that the school system and the health department are planning to have another vaccine clinic. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill changing how college athletes are paid headed to Gov. Beshear's desk
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — A bill to modernize Kentucky's name, image, and likeness (NIL) laws is headed to Gov. Beshear's desk. If signed, lawmakers said Senate Bill 3 would strengthen recruiting and retention and add contract protections for student athletes. The bill was introduced amid a pending federal case that could reshape NIL rules nationwide. Late change to bill ending Kentucky conversion therapy ban will now disqualify Medicaid-covered transgender care Spring break canceled for Clay County Public Schools; districts work to make up missed days Bill changing how college athletes are paid headed to Gov. Beshear's desk Athletic directors at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville supported SB 3, saying it was a win for those who want to play at the college level. 'We've collaborated on this to ensure we're doing what's best for our student-athletes, that we're doing what's best for the Commonwealth, and we're doing what's best for our institutions,' Josh Herid, the University of Louisville athletics director, said. It awaits the governor's signature after passing unanimously in both chambers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
