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Fayette County board backs search for alternative funding to preserve Stables program
Summary
The Fayette County Board of Education unanimously supported a superintendent recommendation to seek alternative funding to sustain the Stables program — a small, high-cost equine-based program with 37 students and an estimated annual expense of about $1.1 million — while the district explores partnerships and a service review.
The Fayette County Board of Education on Dec. 18 voted to support a superintendent-led effort to find alternative funding for the district's Stables program, a specialized equine-based program that serves 37 students and costs roughly $1,100,000 annually.
Superintendent Liggins framed the plan as a short-term, multi-pronged approach to preserve services while reducing the district's fiscal exposure. "For the remainder of the 2025-26 school year, this plan calls for working with community partners to identify sponsorships, donations and other funding sources to offset the current annual cost of approximately $1,100,000," Liggins said during the meeting.
Board members expressed broad support for preserving the program while seeking private and public partnerships. Board member Green moved the formal statement of support; the motion was seconded by Board member Christian and carried 4-0.
Board discussion and public comment emphasized the Stables' unique nature and potential community partnerships. Chair Murphy described the program as "a unicorn in Fayette County," noting the program's small enrollment and strong community ties. Supporters in public comment urged the board to maintain the contract with Central Kentucky Riding for Hope and to pursue external sponsorships rather than closing the program.
Opponents of immediate structural changes cautioned about committing to potential service relocations in 2027-28 without clearer data. Board member Mundy said she did not have enough information to endorse longer-term changes but supported seeking alternate revenue streams now.
The board's approved statement authorized district staff to pursue alternative funding and partnerships and to continue Right Size Bright Future committee work to identify sustainable options and to study program outcomes. The action at the meeting was limited to endorsing the superintendent's recommendation to identify long-term funding; no final structural decision for the Stables program was made at the meeting.
Next steps outlined by the superintendent include pursuing community partnerships, conducting a service/outcomes review of the Stables, and returning to the board with additional recommendations and financial detail as work progresses.
