Board Buzz

We offer a recap of this month's planning meeting of the Fayette County Board of Education as part of our commitment to providing timely updates for students, families, staff, and the community.

Director of Assessment Brooke Stinson shared key results from the skill-based MAP, our universal screener in math and reading for grades K-9. School Chiefs Jennifer Hutchison (elementary) and Nikita Reed (middle) also spoke of how we use the data to help improve student learning and achievement.

Raine Engle-Minichan, associate director of Student Support Services, then talked about the latest DESSA results. This testing gauges students' social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies, rating their strengths and areas for growth. Again, FCPS uses the results to provide targeted support as needed. "We have really worked as a district to develop systems that support the whole child," she said.

• View the MAP & DESSA Presentation

The board thanked all FCPS employees who have served our country in the armed forces, including 16 members of our district's police department. Lt. Col. (ret.) April Brown sang the national anthem Monday morning to kick off Veterans Day at Mary Todd Elementary, where she is now an FCPS Police officer. Brown previously served in the Kentucky National Guard for more than 29 years.

• View the National Anthem Video

Chair Tyler Murphy also recognized leaders of the two JROTC programs in our district: Technical Sgt. Mark Parker and Maj. Joshua Holland of the Air Force JROTC program at Bryan Station High School and Sgt. Maj. Johnnie Parton and Lt. Col. Robert A. Mason of the Army JROTC program at Henry Clay High School. "We appreciate the leadership and the mentorship that make these programs possible," Murphy said.

Abby Piper, founder and managing partner of Piper/Smith, presented a draft of the FCPS legislative agenda for 2025, including state and federal policy priorities. For instance, even though it's not a budget year in Frankfort, we leave in budget requests such as funding for increased access to preschool because the conversation continues.

• View Draft of Legislative Agenda

• Skim the Nov. 11 agenda with PDF attachments or listen to the meeting.
• Read the official minutes, which will be posted within the agenda of the next board meeting.

Members of the public 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.

The video series “Murphy’s Minute” features Board Chair Tyler Murphy answering frequently asked questions about the school board’s role and responsibilities, service to the community, advocacy, and decisions that affect our students and schools. Students from several of our secondary schools host the series. Here is the latest episode: