The Fayette County Public Schools Board of Education voted May 29 to accept a revised FY2025-26 general fund (Fund 141) budget that reduces the projected beginning and ending fund balances following guidance from Mayor Taylor and recent County Commission review. The motion to accept the budget as discussed was made by Merrel Miller and seconded by Becky Trimm; the motion carried.

The revision reflects a recommended reduction in the beginning fund balance from $6.5 million to $5,021,320 and a change to the projected ending fund balance from $4,067,145 to $1,586,732 to account for anticipated underspending from the current year and to address County Commission concerns. Temporary Interim Superintendent Eddie Keel and Ms. Bryant worked on Pre-K funding as part of the budget adjustments.

The board discussed Pre-K classroom counts included in the budget: seven state-funded Pre-K classrooms and three early childhood special education/inclusion classrooms serving 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds. The superintendent reported an email from Mayor Taylor recommending the two fund-balance adjustments; final figures will depend on the post-audit numbers.

Public commenters raised budget-related concerns before the vote. Commenters listed in the meeting record include Mickey White, Charles Watkins, Civil Miller-Watkins and Latoya Parker; their remarks covered “tough decisions” the board faces, a Facebook post concerning budget matters, investing in the district, and a request for the board to answer public questions.

Board members did not record roll-call votes in the transcript; the motion was stated as carried after discussion. The board also noted the County Commission had previously rejected an initial version of the budget presented April 28, prompting the current revisions. No further formal actions on the budget were recorded at the meeting.

The acceptance positions the district to proceed with the administrative steps tied to FY2025-26 planning, but the board indicated final balances will reflect audited results when available.