McDaniel released a statement Monday saying, in part: “Fayette County Public Schools receives roughly $274 million each year in state support. With that level of investment comes a duty to be open, careful, and accountable. Instead, the public has seen lavish travel spending, misleading budget numbers, and even an unlawful tax-increase attempt. Taxpayers, parents, and teachers deserve better.”
After attending several FCPS hearings, working groups, and committee meetings over the years, Sen. Douglas said, "What I have seen and heard convinces me that the current path is not sustainable.”
Lockett, who represents a portion of Fayette County, said he believes the two stepping down would be "in the best interest of the district."
In response, Superintendent Liggins released the following statement:
Fayette County Public Schools exists for one reason: to educate children.
On that, our record is clear. FCPS students continue to outpace their peers across the state. Achievement among all, including historically disadvantaged students, is on the rise. Graduation rates are at an all-time high and more young people are earning more college credit and industry certifications than ever before. Our schools are safer and stronger today than they were four years ago.
It is deeply disappointing that Rep. Lockett ignores tremendous academic success to instead focus on a challenge that we are already facing head-on.
I have publicly agreed that much of the criticism surrounding Fayette County Public Schools’ budget process has been warranted and taken responsibility for restoring community trust.
I have embraced every investigation, examination, and audit to uncover exactly what has gone wrong, determine how long it has been occurring, and take decisive action to ensure it never happens again.
The budget our Fayette County Board of Education will consider tonight is balanced without raising the tax rate and with continued support to classrooms.
Rep. Lockett would know that if he chose constructive dialogue over political theater. His mischaracterizations do nothing to help children, families, or educators and his grandstanding undermines trust, wastes valuable time, and reveals a lack of understanding of both the facts and the hard work happening in our schools every day.
I have no time for bullies. My commitment is to Fayette County’s children, families, and educators, and I will keep showing up every day to deliver on the promise of a world-class education for every student.
Board Chair Tyler Murphy released the following statement:
Representative Lockett has my number, and I welcome any constructive conversation with him or any fellow elected official about how we can work together to support our students, our educators, and our community.
There are multiple pending external and independent reviews, which I welcome and support, focused on finding the facts and developing a clear path forward.
There are a number of things on which Rep. Lockett and I disagree. But I respect his constituents enough to leave that judgment to the voters.
I’ll leave the politics to Frankfort and Washington. Our students are better served when our energy is focused where it belongs: the incredible gains happening in classrooms across Fayette County because the success of our students is the measure our success as a district.
Last night, the FCPS Board voted 3-2 in favor of a working budget.