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Fayette County budget work group outlines options to fill $16 million shortfall
Summary
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Houston Barber briefed the Fayette County Board of Education on a work group's effort to develop recommendations to address a potential $16 million gap in the fiscal 2026 budget, warning the district could face cuts to programs, staff and services if revenues are not increased or savings found.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Houston Barber told the Fayette County Board of Education on July 28 that a district-convened Budget Solutions Work Group has met twice since June 25 and is drafting recommendations to address a potential $16,000,000 shortfall for fiscal year 2026. Dr. Barber said the group will meet again tomorrow and intends to deliver firm recommendations in August, accompanied by budget projections, staffing implications, community impact assessments and timelines.
The group reviewed salary and benefits reports, five-year enrollment projections, demographic trends, historical budget performance and comparative cost studies, Dr. Barber said. "They looked through a lot of documentation," he said, and discussed options that included reserve realignment, facility footprint optimization, consolidation of under-enrolled schools, expanded revenue strategies and prioritized deferral of noncritical investments.
Dr. Barber warned of specific consequences if the gap is not addressed, including larger class sizes, cuts to intervention and enrichment programs, reductions in career and technical education (CTE) offerings, staff layoffs, declines in mental health supports and deferred building maintenance. "There are consequences without some additional revenue," he said.
Board members asked for clarity about how program priorities — for example, which CTE pathways to keep or cut — would be determined. Board Member Penny Christian asked whether prioritization would involve Kentucky Department of Education or postsecondary partners; Dr. Barber answered that multiple factors will be considered, but "the most important thing is how the board prioritizes those pathways." Board Member Amy Green asked whether all materials reviewed by the work group had been shared with the board; Dr. Barber said the group aims for "no new information, no surprises" and that meeting materials are recorded and posted to the district YouTube channel.
Dr. Barber described the work as a short-term solution process focused on FY2026 while noting short-term choices can have long-term consequences. He said the work group has discussed expanded revenue ideas such as naming-rights partnerships, pursuing competitive grants, fee-based continuing-education offerings and community sponsorships. The board did not take formal action on July 28; Dr. Barber said recommendations will be presented to the superintendent and board in August for the board's decision.
The board also discussed outreach: Dr. Barber said the work group offered an additional forum for those unable to participate and that more than 200 were invited, but only two attended the supplemental forum. He encouraged continued public feedback and reminded the board that the group's meetings are public and recorded.
Next steps: the work group will finalize recommendations at its next meeting and deliver them to Superintendent Dr. Demetrius Liggins and the board for review; the board will make any eventual budget decisions as part of the regular budget process.
