Rachel Barcus

Key discussions centered on internal audit updates, including the P-card audit, which is scheduled for presentation in April, and ongoing Grants and Insurance audits expected to be complete by April. Redbook and Booster audits are set to commence upon the arrival of interns. The status of the Dean Dorton audit follow-up was reviewed, and the finalization of the After School Program audit by a part-time contractor is anticipated soon. The Internal Auditor is updating his job description to reflect added responsibilities and is preparing to distribute risk assessment survey questions to key personnel. A draft of the Cyber Resilience Review Audit, which utilized a Department of Homeland Security framework across 10 domains, was presented, identifying three high-priority and seven medium-priority items; the final version with management responses will be presented in April. The Compliance Officer reported that three ethics point reports were forwarded to the Internal Auditor due to their financial nature. Furthermore, the Superintendent reviewed and signed off on the annual certification per the Charter, and the single audit compliance was completed, along with efforts related to GASB 96 compliance.

The planning work session focused primarily on reviewing the agenda for the subsequent action meeting and presenting on postsecondary readiness initiatives. Key discussion points included the district's commitment to transparency through the display of key performance dashboards. The sole action item approved was a contract with Shrader Commercial Properties and Trazen Asset Advisors to assist with the sale of the former Southside Technical Center building and property. The board also approved the minutes from the December 18, 2025, regular meeting. A significant portion of the meeting involved a detailed presentation on career and technical education (CTE) pathways, highlighting student achievements in industry certifications, CTE dual credit completion, and work-based learning opportunities, noting substantial year-over-year increases in these metrics. A presentation from Brian Station High School detailed its success in increasing career readiness rates through academy structures and individualized support.

The Public Forum portion included presentations from former SCAPA attendees regarding the positive impact of the program on their lives and future opportunities for students, strongly advocating for program expansion. During the Local Planning Committee session, staff presented the draft District Facility Plan (DFP), a four-year plan with a total cost of $531,966,164, excluding discretionary projects. Key discussions involved adding preschool to the index, clarifying project priority numbering (1a, 1b, 1c), and defining project categories (new construction for capacity, replacement of inadequate spaces, major renovations). The committee ultimately approved the working draft DFP to be submitted to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) for review.

The Local Planning Committee meeting focused on considering a second amendment to the 2021 District Facility Plan (DFP). Key discussions involved proposing a new Henry Clay High School construction instead of renovation, noting the current enrollment exceeds capacity and that a new build offers better energy efficiency compared to renovation costs. The committee also discussed adding Lansdowne Elementary to the DFP for renovations only. Motions were passed to proceed with both changes: opting for a new build for Henry Clay High School and adding Lansdowne Elementary to the DFP for renovations. The next steps involve submitting these changes to the Kentucky Department of Education for approval.

This document outlines Fayette County Public Schools' (FCPS) financial management strategies, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency. It details current efforts to scrutinize spending, restructure processes, and implement immediate actions such as a hiring freeze and spending cuts. The plan includes changes for the 2026-27 budget, focusing on accurate salary forecasting and zero-based budgeting, while highlighting a balanced working budget for 2025-26 with significant cuts and a strong contingency fund. FCPS also details its commitment to community oversight and engagement through various work groups, committees, and public transparency dashboards that include strategic plan initiatives.