Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Manny Caulk passed away Friday at the age of 48. FCPS families and staff received the following email from Fayette County Board of Education Chair Stephanie Aschmann Spires:
Dear Fayette County Public Schools Families,
Tonight, I write with a heavy heart to inform you of the death of our Superintendent, Emmanuel Caulk, who has led our district since 2015. We are grateful for Manny’s servant leadership and passion for our two moral imperatives – to accelerate achievement for students who have not yet reached proficiency and to challenge students already proficient to achieve global competency.
Both current and incoming members of the Board of Education are working together to ensure a smooth transition. Once the new board members take office in January, we will begin the arduous task of finding a new Superintendent to continue our commitment to ensuring that all students reach their unlimited potential.
We ask that you keep Manny, his family, and everyone who loved him in your thoughts and prayers, while also respecting their privacy during this incredibly difficult time. Arrangements to honor his life and work are incomplete at this time, but will be sent out to our FCPS Family when finalized.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Aschmann Spires
Chair, Fayette County Board of Education
Caulk became the Superintendent of Fayette County in 2015. Shortly after being hired he underwent surgery for a malignant tumor from his sinus cavity. This past Monday Caulk went on medical leave to “focus fully on his health.” Dr. Marlene Helm is serving as acting superintendent and has filled the role on an interim basis several times in the district.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton released the following statement: “We will always remember Manny Caulk for his devotion to our children,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “He put their safety first, working as part of our stakeholder group to combat the pandemic. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”