What began earlier this year as a controversy over an attempted tax increase and budget shortfall has grown into a long list of complaints — and parents, teachers, and others weren't shy about airing them at the podium during a more-than-five-hour action meeting.
"Look in front of you. You have half of Fayette County here (at) a Monday night school board meeting," one speaker said. "And that is because they do not trust you."
Close to 100 people attended, and dozens signed up to speak.
"We aren't going anywhere and we aren't backing down," another speaker added.
In addition to lingering concerns over finances and transparency, parents railed against the potential closing of the Stables Alternative School Program, changes to the board's governance manual that would places new limits on public comment, and a policy that appeared to clamp down on dissenting board members' ability to speak freely with the media.
The board action meetings aren't meant to be debate forums, but Superintendent Demetrus Liggins did briefly attempt to defend himself against some of the accusations being leveled at him.
"I would like to encourage everyone discussing the topic to take time to review the actual facts rather than repeating unfounded news stories," he said, through interruptions. "For the record, I've never covered up any financial mismanagement in a district, nor have I been accused of that."
Stables Program
While not an agenda item Monday, students, parents, and teachers associated with Stables showed up to urge Fayette County school leaders not to cut or eliminate the program.
A facilities committee is weighing cutting a $109,000 annual contract with Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, a partnership the Stables says is crucial to maintaining the small class-driven education that takes place in conjunction with therapy horses.
Monday night, supporters, including students, waited through a more than five-hour meeting to address the school board.
"I know I won't be here next year, but I must speak for the hard-working staff and future students," a Stables student said. "They all deserve the same opportunities I received."
Stables provides "project-based learning and work experiences" in a non-traditional environment for about 45 students.
The cuts are being considered as the school system looks for ways to use its existing buildings in a more sustainable way. The committee tasked with the job has a focus on facilities, not on cutting programs — though they could be affected by the changes.
WUKY reached out to FCPS for further comment, but did not receive a response by broadcast.
Changes will receive a vote at the next board meeting on Monday, December 8.