© 2025 WUKY
background_fid.jpg
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Fayette school leaders warn it would be 'nearly impossible' to make up for possible federal funding cuts

Josh James
/
WUKY

Fayette County Public School officials are sounding the alarm over the potential loss of tens of millions in federal funding — but they're stopping short of signing off on a compliance letter certifying they have eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Addressing food insecurity, improving technology use, tackling language barriers — those are just some of the priorities Fayette School Board Chair Tyler Murphy says would be seriously affected by a dropoff in federal funding.

And while WKYT reports the district says it is making contingency plans, Murphy told a community meeting Wednesday night that "without these federal dollars, it would be nearly impossible for us to make up that difference."

The district is asking citizens to take that message to the state's delegation on Capitol Hill.

At the same time, FCPS is responding to a US Department of Education letter threatening to cut off federal funding for departments that don't verify that they've eliminated DEI programs.

Rather than send what they're calling a compliance letter, the district says they are sending notice that they are following all civil rights laws.

In a joint statement, Murphy and Fayette Superintendent Demetrius Ligon said they want to reaffirm that the district remains "steadfast" in its commitment to "ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive."