Overview of Employee Travel Requests
Fayette County Public School officials have scheduled several employee trips for potential approval at Monday night’s board meeting. Despite a recent directive from Superintendent Demetrus Liggins, these trips remain on the agenda because they were submitted weeks ago. The board will be asked to approve $28,187 in travel expenses for school staff, funded by the general budget. This comes just three days after Liggins announced cost-cutting measures, including limiting employee travel to only mandatory trips.
The district spokesperson, Miranda Scully, explained that since the requests predate Liggins’ order, they are still under consideration. The board and administration will review each request and determine if the travel is essential. “We have kept these items on the agenda to ensure a full and transparent review process and to avoid any unintended interruption to critical professional learning opportunities, especially for our teachers and staff,” Scully said. She added that not all professional development requests will necessarily occur, as the final decision will depend on the review process.
Budget Challenges and Financial Measures
Liggins’ decision to limit travel was part of broader cost-cutting measures following the discovery that the district’s contingency fund was significantly smaller than expected. Originally estimated at around $42 million, the fund may now be as low as $15 million to $22 million. This has led to a $16 million budget deficit, prompting Liggins to announce that cuts are coming.
In addition to travel restrictions, the district sought to increase the occupational license tax rate in Fayette County. However, this move was deemed unlawful by the Kentucky attorney general in June. The district is also facing a special examination by the Kentucky auditor, further highlighting the financial challenges it currently faces.
The total amount requested for travel expenses at Monday’s meeting includes $46,747, with $28,187 coming from the general fund, $13,033 from grants, $5,353 from third-party sources, and $174 from school funds. Since the start of 2025, the district has spent $114,613 on travel, with $54,239 paid through the general fund.
Destinations and Professional Development
The potential travel destinations approved for review include cities such as St. Louis, San Diego, Seattle, Charlotte, N.C., Santa Ana, Calif., and Fort Worth, Tex. These trips are likely aimed at providing professional development opportunities for educators and staff.
Another cost-cutting initiative involves hiring retirees only for substitute teaching roles. The district has stated that it needs about $2 million more for retirees who have returned to work as substitutes. According to the district, payments to the state retirement system for educators are regularly reviewed, and discrepancies are billed and deducted from the carry-forward. The estimated total for the 2024-25 school year is $2.7 million, compared to roughly $255,000 in the previous year.
Reassignment of Departments and Internal Review
Liggins has also announced plans to reassign the financial accounting and benefits services department and the budget and financial planning department to report directly to him. This restructuring aims to improve oversight and accountability within the district’s financial operations.
Scully declined to comment on whether any employees faced consequences as a result of the smaller contingency fund. She noted that the district does not comment on personnel matters. Additionally, Liggins has announced an internal review of both current and past financial procedures to ensure best practices are followed.
These changes reflect the district’s ongoing efforts to address its financial challenges while maintaining transparency and accountability in its operations.
