Kentucky state auditor to conduct investigation of Fayette County Public Schools
(Fayette County Public Schools)
Republican State Auditor Allison Ball announced her office would begin a special investigation of Fayette County Public Schools following public scrutiny of a proposed tax increase.
She announced the investigation Tuesday morning. Last week, Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman's office said the school district's board failed to give proper public notice before voting to increase occupational taxes within the district.
'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,' Ball said in her statement.
In May, the FCPS board voted 3-2 to approved an occupational tax increase of 0.25% to take effect in January. The board approved a $848 million proposed budget with the tax increase that would cost residents an average of $13 more per month, local media outlets reported. Following the attorney general's opinion, FCPS initially planned to reconsider the tax proposal during a June 23 meeting. However, board chair Tyler Murphy said FCPS would pause the proposal, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Ball's investigation received praise from Republican state Sens. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, Jared Carpenter, Donald Douglas, Greg Elkins, Matt Nunn and Steve West. They all represent parts of Fayette County. Mays Bledsoe previously requested the attorney general's office review the matter.
In a joint statement released shortly after Ball's announcement, the senators said they are 'committed to the success of our public education system and to standing with the dedicated teachers who serve our students' and 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.' The senators said that decisions of the school district carry 'educational consequences' as well as 'regional economic and workforce implications.'
'Transparency, honesty, and community engagement are essential,' the senators said. '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.'
The issue isn't completely partisan. Democratic Rep. Anne Gay Donworth, of Lexington, addressed the board during its May 27 meeting to express concern about the transparency behind the tax proposal.
Dia Davidson-Smith, a spokesperson for FCPS, said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that the school district '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,' Davidson-Smith added. '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.'
Previous audits and financial reports for FCPS are published on the school district's website.
KY United 120-AFT, a teachers' union, said that it was glad the FCPS board paused the tax proposal in a statement Tuesday afternoon. The union encouraged board members and the school district to 'work together to create change in the budget process and to be better to each other and the constituents they serve' as well as work with Ball in her upcoming investigation.
'We ask them to work with their rank-and-file staff and finally allow a vote on collective bargaining, as the need for formal staff input is much needed. We ask them to embrace the opportunity to highlight the amazing work our district provides to students but also to embrace any criticism as a call to action on how we improve — not as a political attack,' KY United 120-AFT said.
'Trust is easily broken, but even harder to rebuild. As always, we are ready to work and will continue to show up on behalf of our kids, members, and community. FCPS is and can be a beacon for what public education can be when we all work together. Let's thrive together.'
This story was updated with additional comments Tuesday afternoon.
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