Board Buzz: Next Steps in Project Right Size, Bright Future

Dec. 18, 2025

We offer a recap of this month's action meeting of the Fayette County Board of Education as part of our commitment to providing regular updates for FCPS student families, our employees, and the community.

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Top Takeaway: Next Steps in Project Right Size, Bright Future

The Fayette County Board of Education voted Dec. 18 to support Superintendent Demetrus Liggins' recommendations regarding The Stables program and facilities for George Washington Carver STEM Academy for Boys and Rise STEM Academy for Girls. The plans provide multi-year steps for them in the overall, districtwide Project Right Size, Bright Future initiative.  

The Stables 

This alternative support program provides a smaller learning environment with an equine component. Liggins proposed FCPS either identify alternative funding for The Stables or close the program after the 2026-27 school year and begin serving those students in other schools, programs, and locations.

Read the Multi-Year Recommendation for The Stables

STEM Academy facilities

In first steps for Rise and Carver, Fayette County Public Schools will:

• Complete the Versailles Road building as planned, without modifications
• Pause plans for facility improvements to the former Johnson Elementary where Carver is currently housed, and continue to work toward a possible location for Carver's future home
• Maximize recruitment and enrollment efforts for both STEM programs
• Temporarily relocate Carver next fall to a separate wing of the Rise building, while maintaining each school as a distinct program and ensuring all students feel welcomed

Read the Multi-Year Recommendation for the STEM Facilities

 

Approval of External Audit

The school board voted to accept the district’s annual independent external financial audit, in which Fayette County Public Schools received the highest level of assurance an auditor can provide. This report officially closes out the 2024-25 fiscal year and verifies that these final FCPS financial statements are presented fairly and accurately.

• View the Audit Report

This is the sixth consecutive year of an audit with a clean, unmodified opinion, which is extremely rare for a district of our size and complexity. In planning and performing the annual audit of financial statements, the audit firm also noted two areas for technical improvement that FCPS is already addressing and implementing. FCPS remains dedicated to responsible stewardship of public resources.

Showcase of Student-Athletes

District Athletics Director Jackie Gordon-Duvall shared a video that spotlighted track and cross country at Paul Laurence Dunbar High and soccer at Bryan Station High. Players and coaches also spoke briefly about their efforts, successes, and school pride.

 

Kids' Champion for December

Superintendent Demetrus Liggins and the board members congratulated this month's districtwide Kids' Champion -- Markiara Smith of Morton Middle School.

 

Other Agenda Highlights

Under the Superintendent's Report, the board received the district's annual Health and Wellness Report.

Under action items, the board approved the monthly financial report for November.

Need More Details?

For more information about the latest meeting:

• Skim the Dec. 18 agenda.
• Watch the video recording.
• Read the official minutes, which will be posted within the agenda of the next board meeting.

How to Follow the Board Meetings

Community members may attend the school board's planning sessions and action meetings at the John D. Price Administration Building, 450 Park Place, where public comment is welcome. The monthly action meetings are also livestreamed on the FCPS YouTube channel and the district's Video on Demand service.

Additionally, the Board Meeting Buzz -- which is emailed to our student families and staff -- is archived on the district website as "recap" under Agendas & Records.