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Dozens of students, parents and staff urge board to preserve Stables alternative school and its PATH‑certified equine program
Summary
More than two dozen students, parents, staff and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope representatives testified at the Fayette County board meeting asking the board not to end the CKRH contract or cut funding for the Stables alternative school, describing academic gains, improved mental health and graduation outcomes tied to the program.
Dozens of students, parents, staff and representatives of Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH) urged the Fayette County Board of Education on Nov. 24 to preserve the Stables alternative school and the district’s contract with the PATH‑certified nonprofit that provides therapeutic equine services.
Speakers described personal academic and social improvements tied to the program, including higher GPAs, improved attendance, reduced need for outside therapies and in some cases a path to graduation. Kevin Farris, program director for the Stables, warned that canceling the CKRH contract would end the program because the therapeutic herd and PATH‑certified staff are integral to the model: "Canceling that contract would end the Stables program, because we cannot be replicated," he said.
Multiple student speakers delivered first‑hand testimony about dramatic changes in academic performance and mental health after enrollment. A senior who said she completed her first semester of college with straight A’s credited the Stables’ individualized approach; another student said the program helped her move from failing grades to a 3.8 GPA. Parents and former staff described the school as a “lifeline” for students with autism, selective mutism, anxiety and trauma histories.
Pat Klein, executive director of Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, told the board CKRH is 45 years old, PATH certified and operates its therapeutic programs with trained staff: "Our nonprofit is 45 years old this year...our program is PATH certified," Klein said, and invited board members to visit the barn.
Board members and district staff clarified this evening that no final decision to close or consolidate programs had been made and that the Right Size committee is evaluating all district programs and campuses. Superintendent Liggins said the committee will review every program and stressed that committee review is not a decision to close a program.
The board did not vote on Stables funding Nov. 24. Several board members said they were moved by testimony and noted the Right Size review and budget deliberations remain ongoing; the topic was expected to remain on the board’s agenda in coming weeks.
