Board Buzz
Oct. 23, 2023
We provide this recap of our monthly school board action meetings as part of our commitment to providing timely, clear, and accurate information to students, staff, families, and the community.
You may also review the full agenda.
Top Takeaway
Board Member Resignation
The Fayette County Board of Education accepted a letter of resignation from member Tom Jones and declared a vacancy for District 3. "Mr. Jones' tenure on this board has showcased an enduring commitment to education and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student within our district," said Superintendent Demetrus Liggins.
Jones was elected in 2020 to a four-year term representing District 3, which encompasses the eastern section of Fayette County, including Hamburg, Chilesburg, and outbound Richmond Road. Details outlining the application process to fill the seat will be posted at www.fcps.net/boardvacancy by the close of business on Tuesday, Oct. 24.
Superintendent's Report
School Leadership:
Elementary Chief Tiffany Marshall recognized Cassidy's selection as a National Blue Ribbon School. "It's not only a symbol of academic excellence, but talks about all the wonderful things happening at a school," she said. Several students also spoke about what makes Cassidy special.
Community Partners: "Better Together"
Superintendent Demetrus Liggins launched a new portion of the monthly meeting that spotlights community partners. First up was the YMCA of Central Kentucky. The Y's Paula Anderson and Jessica Berry shared a bit about the collaboration, including the daycare next door to the district's John D. Price Administration Building, summer camps, and programs like Black Achievers, Power Scholars Academy, and Neighborhood Back-to-School Rallies.
Academic Services:
Director of Assessment Brooke Stinson provided an overview of the Comprehensive District Improvement Plan (CDIP), with our goals, timelines, and focus areas. The board will be asked to approve the CDIP later this fall.
Operations:
Myron Thompson, the district's chief operating officer, shared the latest on construction of Mary E. Britton Middle School in the Hamburg area and renovation of the former Herald-Leader building for a new Career & Technical Education (CTE) center.
Unity, Belonging, & Student Efficacy (UBSE):
Soraya Matthews' monthly report focused on data and trends in FCPS staff diversity. She also spoke of how a sense of belonging can increase employee satisfaction and retention.
Student Showcase
Music Class from Brenda Cowan Elementary
General music teacher Jeremy Howard of Brenda Cowan Elementary introduced the first-grade class featured in this month's student performance. You can see not only music-making in progress, but also the natural ways they develop self-awareness and responsible decision-making skills.
Did you know? Brenda Cowan Elementary has committed to arts integration as one of their four educational pillars alongside service, a third-grade reading pledge, and global competency.
Board Action
Among the consent items on the agenda, the board approved the recommended name of our new combined Career & Technical Education (CTE) center: The Hub for Innovative Learning & Leadership, aka The HILL. The facility, housed in the former Herald-Leader building at 100 Midland Ave., should be finished by February 2025.
Under action items, board members approved the monthly financial report.
Public Comment
One citizen, Natasha Sanford, addressed the board on a topic off the agenda.
The official minutes from the Oct. 23 action meeting will be posted within the agenda of the next meeting of the Fayette County Board of Education.
How to Watch the Board Meetings
The school board's action meetings are livestreamed on the FCPS YouTube channel and the district's Video on Demand service. Meetings are then archived in our YouTube playlist.
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