Board approves temporary co-location plan for RISE and George Washington Carver STEM programs over objections

The Fayette County Board of Education on Dec. 18 approved a multi-year facility recommendation that will complete construction of the new RISE STEM Academy for Girls and temporarily house the George Washington Carver (GWC) STEM Academy for Boys in a separate wing of the new building for the 2026-27 school year, with the goal of identifying a permanent home for GWC by 2027-28.

Superintendent Liggins described the plan as a phased approach designed to maintain programmatic independence while addressing urgent facility needs. "Under this plan, during the remainder of the 25-26 school year we would complete construction at the new RISE STEM Academy for Girls building without modifications, pause any facility upgrades at the current George Washington Carver STEM Academy for Boys building, continue the Right Size Bright Future work, and possibly identify locations that the local planning committee and the board could consider for a future permanent home for George Washington Carver," Liggins said.

The proposal drew sharply divided public comment. Kalesia Farrell, PTA president at George Washington Carver, urged the board to vote yes, calling the move "equity-driven" and arguing a shared modern facility would provide access and stability for GWC scholars. By contrast, RISE parents including Sarah Flood Bowman and Nicole Gieske asked the board to pause the vote, raise concerns about short notice, building code and plumbing waivers, potential enrollment impacts, transportation logistics and the lack of a firm timeline for returning GWC to a permanent home.

Sarah Flood Bowman, speaking for RISE families, asked the board to delay action: "I respectfully urge the board pause and not take a vote tonight. Decisions like this require data, community input, and careful review of the benefits and impacts," she said. Nicole Gieske cited a plumbing inspector's guidance that converting occupancy from an all-girls building to mixed use likely triggers a new review and could require additional fixtures.

During board debate, members acknowledged both equity and process concerns. Board member Green called the plan "a responsible balance" that preserves both programs; Board member Mundy said she would vote no because she had not received sufficient information in time to make an informed long-term commitment. The motion to approve the multi-year facility recommendation passed 3-1.

The plan states the RISE Academy will move into the new building in 2026 and GWC would occupy a separate wing that year while district staff and the local planning committee continue to seek a permanent site hoped to be available by 2027-28. The district did not vote on any permanent sale or renovation of existing GWC property at this meeting and said those options would be evaluated separately.

The board directed staff to continue recruitment and enrollment efforts for both programs, to preserve programmatic independence (separate principals and staff), and to provide additional cost and timeline detail in follow-up reports.