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Fayette County Schools Investigated for Policy Violations

Gymnasium interior of Fayette County Public Schools

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News Summary

An investigation by the Kentucky Office of Education Accountability has uncovered that Fayette County Public Schools allowed a district employee’s for-profit cheer business, Lex Athletics, to use school facilities without proper approval, violating district policies. This situation raised concerns over safety and highlighted confusion about facility usage guidelines. Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has been tasked with rectifying these violations by July 1. Additionally, the school district is looking into allegations of racial inequity in its cheer programs following complaints from parents regarding discrimination.

Lexington, Kentucky – An investigation by the Kentucky Office of Education Accountability has revealed that Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) permitted a for-profit cheer and tumble business, owned by a district employee, to utilize a school gym without proper approval, violating the district’s established policies. The business in question, known as Lex Athletics, operated in the gymnasium at The Learning Center, which is a special academic program located on Price Road.

The name of the owner of Lex Athletics has not been disclosed in the state report. However, FCPS Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has been given until July 1 to rectify the policy violation. In response to the findings, Fayette County Public Schools is making updates to its operational systems to address compliance issues and improve adherence to regulations.

The investigation’s findings were disclosed through the Kentucky Open Records Act and highlighted significant confusion among district staff regarding the approval process for the use of school facilities, especially for profit-oriented endeavors. The Office of Education Accountability expressed concern over potential physical risks posed to participants in the cheer organization utilizing district property.

According to the state report, Fayette County Public Schools violated its own facilities usage policies and noted discrepancies between district policies and information presented on its website. These inconsistencies have led to confusion and uncertainty regarding facility use approval processes.

In addition to the issues surrounding Lex Athletics, Fayette County Public Schools has launched a separate inquiry into allegations of racial equity, inclusivity, and diversity within its cheer programs. This investigation was prompted by multiple complaints from parents of cheerleaders at several high schools, including Fredrick Douglass and Henry Clay. The local NAACP chapter has reported a lack of responsiveness to these complaints regarding equity and discrimination in the district’s cheer programs.

Complaints from parents allege that enforcement of district and Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) rules varies based on race, contributing to an ongoing culture of discrimination. Specific concerns raised include incidents of bullying, harassment, and segregation experienced by Black cheerleaders within the programs. One 16-year-old cheerleader from Fredrick Douglass High School reported feeling traumatized by the harassment and segregation she faced. Others have chosen to withdraw their children from the cheer programs due to experiences of racism.

In light of these serious allegations, Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has confirmed the initiation of the investigation concerning the claims raised by the NAACP and has reiterated the district’s commitment to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity. Further details regarding the timeline of this investigation are anticipated to be released at a later date.

As Fayette County Public Schools works to improve its policies and practices, the incidents brought to light by both investigations underscore the critical need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to established guidelines in educational institutions. The outcomes of these inquiries may shape the future of the district’s programs and their commitment to serve all students equitably.