Fayette County board approves 2026–27 budget and $10,000 superintendent bonus amid concerns over proposed staff cuts

FAYETTE COUNTY, Tenn. — The Fayette County Public Schools Board on May 7 approved the district’s proposed 2026–2027 budget and authorized submission of a county funding request, while separately approving a $10,000 contractual performance bonus for Superintendent Dr. Don McPherson.

The budget approval, moved by Board Member Kevin Powers and seconded by Adam Fearon, cleared the Board with six votes in favor and three abstentions (Melanie McGuire, Myles Wilson and Harold Rounds). Board members said the vote sends the proposed budget — which responds to an estimated $3.9 million shortfall — to the Fayette County Commission for funding consideration. The superintendent’s bonus was approved earlier in the meeting on a 7‑1‑1 vote (seven yes, one no, one abstention).

Why it matters: Board members, staff and public speakers framed the decisions around a combination of contract obligations, cash‑flow planning and significant program and staffing pressures. The record shows the district is seeking nearly $3 million in additional county funding, cannot independently raise revenue, and plans budget reductions that speakers said could affect about 75 positions.

Public comments and board questions shaped the debate. Charles Watkins requested a detailed list of the approximately 75 proposed staffing reductions by school, with position titles, funding sources and anticipated student impacts, and questioned whether prior audit findings and required budget amendments had received proper approvals. Civil Miller‑Watkins, a teacher and parent, warned that cuts could reduce educational opportunities and prompt student transfers. “Rather than borrowing funds, the district should seek additional financial support from the County Commission,” Watkins told the Board during public comment.

Board discussion referenced the district’s fiscal constraints and legal and policy guidance. Board Member Myles Wilson objected to approving a $10,000 contractual performance bonus while the district faces budget challenges. Merrel Miller, who explained the evaluation process and timeline, said seven of nine board members completed evaluations, the evaluation instrument followed Tennessee School Boards Association guidelines, and legal counsel had reviewed the document; he noted the bonus was included in the approved budget and required under the superintendent’s employment contract if performance expectations were met.

Finance Director Arianna Elliott described the Tax Anticipation Note — a short‑term line of credit the Board also approved — as a precautionary cash‑flow tool for the 2026–2027 fiscal year that would be used only if necessary. Elliott said the district had sufficient funds to meet payroll obligations through July. Board Member Kevin Powers clarified the note applies to the coming fiscal year and would not affect the current year’s budget.

What the Board approved and next steps: The Board voted to approve and forward the proposed 2026–2027 budget and its request for additional county funding to the Fayette County Commission. The superintendent’s contractual performance bonus was approved by motion earlier in the meeting. The Board also approved a Tax Anticipation Note resolution and a Differentiated Pay Plan; textbook adoptions and prior meeting minutes were approved as presented.

The budget must now be considered by the Fayette County Commission; board discussion indicated additional review and potential adjustments could follow that county review.

Votes at a glance: • Superintendent’s contractual performance bonus (motion: Kevin Powers; second: Adam Fearon) — Result: approved. Yes (7): Warner Speakman; Merrel Miller; Adam Fearon; Kevin Powers; Harold Rounds; Becky Trimm; David Reeves. No (1): Myles Wilson. Abstain (1): Melanie McGuire. • Proposed 2026–2027 budget and request to Fayette County Commission (motion: Kevin Powers; second: Adam Fearon) — Result: approved. Yes (6): Warner Speakman; Merrel Miller; Adam Fearon; Kevin Powers; Becky Trimm; David Reeves. Abstain (3): Melanie McGuire; Myles Wilson; Harold Rounds. • Tax Anticipation Note resolution and Differentiated Pay Plan (motion: Kevin Powers; second: Merrel Miller) — Result: approved unanimously. • Textbook adoption recommendations (motion: Kevin Powers; second: Harold Rounds) — Result: approved unanimously. • Approval of prior meeting minutes (motion: Kevin Powers; second: Merrel Miller) — Result: approved unanimously.

The Board also heard routine recognitions, including the Fayette‑Ware Academic Decathlon team and the Fayette‑Ware NJROTC, and received the superintendent’s district updates on graduation schedules and summer programs.