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'You Don't See That Everywhere.' Fayette Superintendent Finalists Attend Meet And Greet

Josh James
/
WUKY

A new superintendent for Fayette County Public Schools could be chosen as soon as this week. The five finalist candidates were on hand for their one and only in-person meet and greet Wednesday night.

Traveling from as far away as Texas and Nevada, the candidates met with parents, teachers, students, and interested community members for an hour-and-a-half in addition to interviews with the school board. Dr. Melvin Brown, a superintendent in Columbus, Ohio, described a process that was both exhausting and exhilarating.

"I've been so, so impressed by the numbers of people who are engaged in these conversations who obviously care very deeply about the district," he told reporters. "You don't see that everywhere."

Brown and the four other hopefuls spoke with visitors like Lillie Miller-Johnson, who has grandchildren in district. She wanted to hear the finalists' take on ensuring opportunities are open to all.

"I'm interested in making sure that is equally looked at, every student, I don't care what color they are," she said before joining the queue to speak with San Antonio assistant superintendent Angela Dominguez.

Dr. Christopher Bernier, who currently serves in a Las Vegas school district, said a key to doing that is setting up the right communication channels.

"One of the things I heard resoundingly was our need to bring the information to them in different ways, so they're able to access the same things and know what opportunities exist for their children within the system," the candidate said.

The other candidates included Drs. Demetrus Liggins and Tawana Grover, who were narrowed down from a pool of around 50.

The school board is set to wrap up interviews Thursday, with a decision possible any time after.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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