LEXINGTON, Ky. — Election night brought significant changes to the Fayette County Board of Education as voters approved two newcomers to fill critical seats. The election results revealed that Kathleen ‘Penny’ Christian and Monica Mundy emerged victorious in their respective races, marking a shift in the board’s dynamics.
Three school board seats were contested during the elections held on Nov. 5, and the results showed clear determination from the community to embrace new leadership. Christian captured the District 3 seat in a competitive three-person race against Danny A. Everett and Isaac Sebourn. This was Christian’s second attempt for a board position, having initially applied for the same seat in 2023.
Christian, a former PTA parent whose four daughters attended Fayette County Public Schools, emphasized the importance of public education, stating, “It really is the heart of the community, and I think we need to value that more.” Her experience as chair of the National PTA’s Family Engagement Committee shaped her vision for the role.
In District 1, Monica Mundy successfully challenged incumbent Marilyn Clark, winning by a 4.4% margin. Mundy, an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky, cited her motivation to run as a response to the board’s decision against adding a sixth-grade program at Rise STEM Academy for Girls. She expressed her commitment to being part of the solution.
Christian and Mundy were further buoyed by the defeat of a proposed Amendment 2, which aimed to expand school choice in Kentucky, a cause both women do not support. Mundy remarked, “I grew up in Knott County, Kentucky – we didn’t have private school options, and so, I was not in support of Amendment 2.” This outcome aligns with their goals for public education.
Looking forward to their terms, both Christian and Mundy highlighted the need for financial responsibility, transparency, and improved communication within the district. “There’s a trust issue right now with our school board,” Christian noted, asserting her intention to help rebuild that trust.
Mundy echoed this sentiment, stating, “I don’t take this job lightly at all. I’m very excited to get in there and get to work.” Their collective ambition is to create equitable educational outcomes for all students within the district.
In the other school board race, Vice Chair Amy Green successfully defended her seat in District 5, defeating challenger Betsy Rutherford by a significant 21-point margin. This election cycle has not only reshaped the board but also underscored the community’s desire for change and involvement in local education.
