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.

Early Childhood Education Director Whitney Stevenson talked about the latest preschool numbers and trends, state-required assessment and evaluation of our youngest students, and screenings for special education services. She also shared a video about First 5 Lex, which focuses on children from birth to age 5 through the motto "Read, Talk, Play," and an update on getting iPads into families' hands for exploration. "Children are always watching and always learning," Stevenson said. "We all have a role in their school readiness, in their life readiness."

• View the Early Childhood Report

The recorded musical performance by Leestown students under the direction of Nathan Wilson featured the piece "Spartacus" by Brian Balmages. It is filled with explosive rhythms, memorable melodies, and numerous challenges for middle school musicians.

Community Partnerships: This month we spotlighted the University of Kentucky’s Diversity Healthcare Program, which provides guided mentorships for Bryan Station High School students interested in this career field. "We strive to empower students through their journey, and we're engaging people at all levels," said the program's director, Assistant Professor Randa Remer. Bryan Station junior Amaya Young praised the program, saying, "It has taught me that advocating for myself is the No. 1 thing to help me get where I need to go."

• View the Healthcare Presentation

Construction Progress: Chief Operating Officer Myron Thompson shared updates on the CTE project on Midland Avenue and construction of the new middle school in Hamburg.

• View the Construction Updates

Unity, Belonging, & Student Efficacy: Chief Soraya Matthews highlighted how FCPS is creating a welcoming environment for all. She recapped January as Multicultural & Multilingual Month, mentioning celebrations at several schools. For February's Black History Month, she cited some Fast Facts about our district as well as big events such as the Honoring Black Excellence Visual & Performing Arts Showcase and the Honoring Black Men in Education initiative. In addition, Matthews shared an update from the board's Equity Council Committee, including a review of school names and mascots.

• View the UBSE Report

MLK Essay Contest: We recognized the 2024 winners of Alpha Phi Alpha's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast Essay Contest, which is open to middle school students in Lexington. Top honors went to a trio of eighth graders: Savannah Peters (first place) and Tristan Theron (runner-up), both of Morton Middle; and Daemarion Hayes of Carter G. Woodson Academy (third place). Read Savannah's essay below.

The school board approved two action items:

• The monthly financial report and
• Requests from principals for various schoolwide fundraising projects.

Under the consent agenda, the board also approved the construction and equipping of a new facility for the Rise STEM Academy for Girls, an elementary school on Greendale Road, renovation/reconstruction of Henry Clay High School, and improvements at Harrison Elementary.

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.

• Review: Skim the Feb. 26 action agenda or watch the meeting video.
• Online: You can read this Board Buzz in the News feed on our homepage (FCPS.net).
• Board Buzz: If you do not already receive our recap emails, you can sign up now.
• YouTube: Videos of the action meetings are uploaded into a YouTube playlist.
  
• Archives: The official minutes are posted later, within the agenda of the next board meeting.