Board Brief

As part of our district's commitment to open and transparent communication, we share this summary of Monday's school board planning work session.

During the Superintendent’s Report, the board heard a report on the fall administration of our social-emotional assessment, known as DESSA (Devereaux Student Strengths Assessment). DESSA, which emphasizes resilience, helps schools meet students' social and emotional needs as part of our district's whole child approach. DESSA, which is also given in the spring in grades K-12, screens students in eight "soft skill" competencies: self-management, goal-directed behavior, decision making, personal responsibility, relationship skills, social awareness, self-awareness, and optimistic thinking. Dedeeh Newbern, chief of Student Support, noted how DESSA aligns with focused classroom instruction, high levels of cognitive engagement, and consistent monitoring of student progress. Board Chair Tyler Murphy affirmed its importance. "It's about the whole child. We don't just educate for academics. We have to act holistically," he said.

• View the DESSA Presentation

The board approved the Equity Council Committee's recommendation of Kayla Chambers-Reed, a junior at Lafayette High School, as recipient of the 2023 Equity Champion Award. Kayla is founder and artistic director of Lexington's African-American Ballet Troupe. About a year and a half ago, as a 14-year-old ballerina, Kayla started the group to open the world of ballet to traditionally underserved youth and to help increase diversity within the ballet space.

The board received presentations on these items, which will be up for approval at the next meeting:

• The second year of the Comprehensive District Improvement Plan;
• Renewal of the facility lease with Central Kentucky Riding for Hope for The Stables program;
• The 2023 Wellness Report;
  
• The FY24 Audit Plan; and
• The results of the 2023 Financial Records Audit.

Did you know? FCPS has a Financial Transparency Dashboard where you can view all kinds of financial reports.

• Review the Nov. 13 planning agenda
• Listen to the entire meeting: The audio file is posted after the night's closed session adjourns.

The Fayette County Board of Education routinely meets twice a month, generally on the second and fourth Monday. The planning work session is an opportunity to receive extended presentations, review the agenda for the upcoming action meeting, and provide time for board members to ask questions and hold discussions with staff. The action meeting is when the board votes on proposals.

If you do not already receive these Board Brief and Board Buzz updates in your inbox,
you can sign up now for our email list.