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Fayette County school leaders flag more than $3.5 million budget shortfall; staff review cuts to limit layoffs
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Don McPherson told the Fayette County Board of Education on Feb. 9 that the district faces a budget shortfall exceeding $3.5 million and is reviewing all line items to reduce spending while seeking to minimize personnel reductions and pursue emergency reimbursement for storm-related losses.
Fayette County Superintendent Dr. Don McPherson told the Board of Education at its Feb. 9 meeting that the district is managing a budget shortfall exceeding $3.5 million and is reviewing every budget line item to reduce expenditures while trying to avoid personnel cuts.
Dr. Don McPherson, the district superintendent, said he, Deputy Superintendent Eddie Keel and Finance Director Arianna Elliott are conducting a line-by-line review of the budget and will prioritize fiscal responsibility while continuing services for students and staff. He also said the district plans to seek reimbursement for weather-related losses through coordination with the Fayette County Emergency Management Agency.
The superintendent reported weather-related operational impacts including a damaged awning at West Junior High School and cooler failures at Oakland Elementary School and East Junior High School that resulted in more than $5,000 in food loss. Those losses will be submitted through the emergency declaration process in coordination with EMA, McPherson said.
Board Chairman Warner Speakman and the Executive Committee emphasized ongoing financial planning and coordination among committees as the district develops options. The Board received the report for oversight; no formal budget action was taken at the meeting.
The district did not present a detailed line-item cut list at the meeting; Dr. McPherson said the administration will continue to evaluate options and report back to the Board as the review progresses.
