LEXINGTON, Ky. — Classes are out for Fayette County Public Schools, but district leaders are rectifying last-minute challenges with its budget for next school year.
FCPS faces a $16 million shortfall in that plan. The board asked state officials to levy a tax increase that has left taxpayers concerned with how funds are being spent.
Laura O'Brien, Oldham County community member and mother, helps mitigate concerns in her district and beyond. Last year's discussions about Amendment 2, which would have allowed state funding to be used for non-public schools, led her to look at other public schools' concerns, particularly spending habits.
“Warren County likes Chick-fil-A; they had purchased Chick-fil-A 17 times in six months, which was over $6,000 worth of expenses," O'Brien said. "I mean, when we're looking at spending, that goes back to the school choice aspect. Warren County was one of those who was very vocal against Amendment 2."
In about six months, O'Brien has looked into nine different school systems’ credit card records after she was made aware of other communities' concerns.
Documentation from open records she gathered shares the expenses that were made to benefit students and activities.
“There's a resource center representative that has a credit card, and they purchase things like clothing and shoes for students," she said. "I have no problem with that because we want to make sure that every kid [has] their needs met."
Other expenses were for staff, such as a trip to see the "Wicked" movie, restaurant visits worth more than $1,000 and a "team-building program" at local amusement center Battle Axes worth $3,300.
"In my opinion, what was concerning was Battle Axes," she said.
The district is facing a $16 million shortfall in its $800 million budget. At a May 27 board meeting, members took a vote to increase the current 0.5% occupational license tax to 0.75% as a solution.
The resolution passed 3-2, but not before board members Amanda Ferguson and Monica Mundy asked for consideration for the decision to be tabled.
Mundy also asked about the levy’s legality under Kentucky's revised statutes and to give the public more time and notice.
O'Brien said she has connected with parents and educators who have shared their experiences.
"Based on testimony from teachers, I feel like they aren't being provided with what they need. At the end of the day, their needs and the student’s needs should come first." “They had said that they had to practically beg for supplies, begging for PD (Professional Development) days to learn the curriculum," O'Brien said. "Based on testimony from teachers, I feel like they aren't being provided with what they need. At the end of the day, their needs and the student’s needs should come first."
The resolution would go into effect in 2026 and Fayette County board members shared at the meeting it must be confirmed within 10 days of their vote by the fiscal court.
“Some have asked about the notice and hearing requirements under KRS 160-6-0-3," FCPS spokesperson Dia Davidson said in a statement. "That law only applies when a school board imposes certain taxes, like the property tax or utility tax. That's not what’s happening here.”
"Instead, the board of education has adopted a resolution informing the Fayette County fiscal court of its desire to implement a countywide occupational license tax to support public education. Once approved, this would replace the current school district occupational tax.”
FCPS said they’ve cut nearly $18 million from last year’s budget already, which includes more than $1 million in position reductions.
Correction: A previous version of this story misquoted Laura O’Brien regarding Professional Development days. This has been corrected. (May 29, 2025)
