The audit comes after a public outcry over a vote by the majority of the Fayette School Board to increase the occupational licensing tax to cover a projected shortfall in the district's upcoming budget.
Two board members questioned the legality of the vote, saying it was done without proper public notice. Last week, Attorney General Russell Coleman agreed, calling it "unlawful and void."
Kentucky State Auditor Allison Ball released a statement on Tuesday, stating, "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."
WUKY spoke with Board Chair Tyler Murphy about the district's pause on the tax vote and the formation of a committee of stakeholders to review the district's budget. We also asked if he would welcome an audit.
"The FCPS has had five years of perfect audits. We are proud of the work that we are doing in our district, so we welcome the conversation in the community through this committee," Murphy said. "We just ask that people allow that process to take place and engage in these conversations and dialogues with us."
Fayette County Senate delegation members Sens. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, Jared Carpenter, Donald Douglas, Greg Elkins, Matt Nunn, and Steve West released a joint statement that states:
“As elected senators representing Fayette County and the surrounding region, we are committed to the success of our public education system and to standing with the dedicated teachers who serve our students.
“We 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. FCPS decisions carry not only educational consequences, but also regional economic and workforce implications.
“While we are pleased the board has tabled its tax increase effort for now, we steadfastly support Auditor Allison Ball’s special examination of FCPS.
“Transparency, honesty, and community engagement are essential. 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.”
Soon after the audit was announced, FCPS District Spokeswoman Dia Davidson released a statement on behalf of the district that reads:
"Fayette County Public Schools 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. 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."