Board Buzz

We provide this recap of our school board meetings as part of our commitment to providing timely updates for students, families, staff, and the community.

Fayette County Public Schools now has the first and only school board-governed police department to have met law enforcement accreditation standards under the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP). "We started this process approximately four years ago and methodically worked to achieve the standards," said FCPS Chief Martin Schafer. "It has greatly improved our efficiency and effectiveness in serving students, staff, and families, and the result is safer campuses."

The KACP accreditation program, which requires renewal every four years, is one of the most valuable and cost-effective ways for law enforcement agencies to enhance overall effectiveness and professionalism. They benefit from the use of consistent and proven procedures, clearly outlined policies, and efficient practices. In addition, accreditation spurs additional confidence in a police department.

"We want to make sure we're leading that charge of public opinion of police and public trust," Schafer said. "We are all extremely thankful to have achieved this standard and have the full support of FCPS leadership."

Pictured: Col. Pat Morgan of the Kenton County Sheriff's Office presented the honor from the Kentucky Law Enforcement Professional Standards Committee. Pictured are Morgan, FCPS Police Chief Martin Schafer, and Lt. Tracy Day.

This month's Fine Arts spotlight featured Ashland's 4th and 5th grade dance majors, who performed during the recent Honoring Black Excellence Showcase. This dance, modeled after a West African style, was originally performed by 22 students as part of Ashland’s winter production. The students are led by district itinerant dance teacher Ashley Oldham, whose work is made possible through the board's initiative to expand arts programming in FCPS. Throughout the year, Ashland students learn a variety of genres and styles of dance from multiple cultures. Oldham not only choreographs each piece, but also teaches students about the cultural and historical context.

Academic Services: Director of Assessment Brooke Stinson outlined this spring's Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA), which is set for May 8-29. This state testing window falls within the last 14 instructional days of the school year. "A lot of our schools stretch out the time so students don't get too tired and can show their best work," Stinson said. In addition, families are encouraged to make sure their children get plenty of sleep and nutritious breakfasts so they can give their best effort.

• See the KSA Details

Construction Progress: Chief Operating Officer Myron Thompson shared updates on Mary E. Britton Middle School, the Hub for Innovative Learning & Leadership, and preschool classroom additions at Harrison Elementary.

• View the Construction Report

Community Partnerships: Annissa Franklin, vice president of the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County, talked about recent programs coordinated with Fayette County schools. Among them were the annual Academic Challenge for elementary students and the LIFT conference for college and career readiness. "The work we do together is incredible," Franklin said, crediting our Department of Family & Community Engagement.

• See the Urban League Presentation

Under action items, the board approved:

• The monthly financial report; and
• Four contracts for English Language Arts and Math instructional resources recommended through the request for proposals process presented during last month's board meeting.

On another matter, parents and other supporters had asked the school board -- based on alleged violation of open meetings and open records laws -- to reverse the School-Based Decision Making Council's decision to cut art programs at Cassidy Elementary. The board counsel's recommendations was to dismiss the appeal because of lack of jurisdiction. However, the board decided unanimously to delay action to further study the specifics and confer again with counsel. "We have made investments in the arts a priority," Chair Tyler Murphy said, though noting the SBDM process has not changed and staffing decisions such as this are made by SBDMs.

The board also signed off on the night's consent agenda, including:

• A contract for curriculum resources called Educators Rising, which our high schools use with students interested in becoming teachers
• Design development documents for the construction of a new building for Rise STEM Academy for Girls, and
  
• Schematic design documents for construction of an elementary school on Greendale Road in the Masterson Station area.

The video series “Murphy’s Minute” features Board Chair Tyler Murphy answering frequently asked questions. Topics include the school board’s roles, responsibilities, service to the community, advocacy, meeting schedules, and decisions that affect our students, schools, and families. Students from several of our secondary schools host the biweekly series.

You can find "Murphy’s Minute" here in the Board Buzz, on the main board webpage, and in a YouTube playlist. Here is the latest episode:

The public is welcome to attend planning sessions and action meetings in person at the John D. Price Administration Building, 450 Park Place. The monthly action meetings are also livestreamed on the FCPS YouTube channel and the district's Video on Demand service. These videos are archived in a YouTube playlist.

• Skim the April 22 agenda and attachments.
• Read the official minutes, which are posted within the agenda of the next board meeting.