Fayette County Public Schools Achieves Federal Accountability Benchmarks for Students of Color

Lexington, KY — In a significant achievement for the Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS), all schools have met federal accountability benchmarks for students of color, specifically African-American, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students. This milestone was reported following the release of the 2024 accountability ratings by the Kentucky Department of Education on October 3.

Following a challenging recovery from the pandemic, FCPS saw a marked improvement in student performance. Out of 34 schools previously flagged for low scores among various student groups, only 12 remain identified for improvement, demonstrating considerable progress in educational outcomes.

Dr. Demetrus Liggins, the FCPS superintendent, highlighted that this is the first time in 21 years that all schools have achieved these benchmarks, indicative of the dedication from educators, students, families, and the broader community. Currently, more than 76% of FCPS schools have either improved their scores or are ranked among the top two tiers of achievement.

The improvements stem from systematic changes implemented over the past three years, including a rigorous curriculum, aligned lessons with state standards, additional instructional coaches, and the establishment of ongoing professional learning for educators. These initiatives have allowed teachers and school leaders to analyze performance throughout the year, tailoring support to students’ needs.

In addition to academic performance, FCPS made notable strides in supporting English language learners, with a 27% increase in students exiting the program after demonstrating proficiency. However, challenges persist, particularly in schools with higher poverty concentrations, where performance levels remain lower.

Despite these advancements, Dr. Liggins acknowledged that the longstanding achievement gap, especially among racial groups, has not closed as rapidly as desired. The district is committed to continuing these proven strategies to address these disparities.

The superintendent expressed confidence in the district’s direction and its commitment to fostering each student’s unique potential. The community’s investment in public education has been crucial, and FCPS is determined to build on this momentum to achieve greater success in the years to come.

Overall, the latest accountability data not only reflects improvement in academic performance but also underscores the collective efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of education for all students across Fayette County.