Latest news with #DiaDavidson-Smith
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
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. HPD arrests woman for allegedly threatening drivers with box cutter Looking for a perfect swim day? These are the 5 clearest lakes in Kentucky Release of Steven Lawson proceedings temporarily prohibited by court '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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fayette schools' spokesperson Davidson-Smith resigns. Liggins cites ‘lasting impact'
Fayette County Public Schools' spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith is resigning her position as district chief public engagement officer, effective June 30. Her departure was part of the agenda for the April 28 school board meeting. 'Fayette County Public Schools is grateful for the years of dedicated service Dia Davidson-Smith has given to our district as Chief Public Engagement Officer and District Spokesperson,' Superintendent Demetrus Liggins told the Herald-Leader Friday afternoon. 'Her passion for storytelling, commitment to transparent communication, and advocacy for public education have made a lasting impact, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.' No decisions have been made regarding her successor, Liggins said. Davidson-Smith did not immediately comment. Davidson-Smith took the job of chief public engagement officer in July 2023. The district's announcement about her new role at that time said Davidson-Smith was an Emmy award-winning news anchor and reporter for LEX 18 News at Sunrise and Noon, where she had worked for over 20 years. That 2023 announcement said with more than 30 years of experience in news and journalism, Davidson-Smith had a diverse background in media and education. She began her career as a membership coordinator for Temple University Public Radio, before working as a promotions manager and anchor/reporter at various radio and television stations on the East Coast, including South Carolina Educational Television. Davidson-Smith holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Georgia and a master's degree in journalism from Temple University.
