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Fayette County Public Schools students outperformed state averages in 2025-26, with more than 80% of schools earning Kentucky’s top three ratings and record graduation and postsecondary readiness rates. District leaders said the data will guide improvement plans for the coming year.
Jennifer Kennedy of Tates Creek Middle School and Matthew Spottswood of Maxwell Spanish Immersion Magnet Elementary School were honored with 2026 awards from the Kentucky World Language Association. The awards were presented at the organization's Oct. 9-10 state conference in Louisville.
Fayette County Public Schools has named 15 campuses 2026 Green School Champions for achievements in sustainability literacy, environmental impact, and student and staff wellness. Five schools were recognized in all three categories.
Lafayette High, Mary E. Britton and Liberty won top team honors at the Area 6 cross country championships on Oct. 10 at Masterson Station Park, and two Fayette County athletes took individual titles. Jessie Clark also earned the girls middle school 4K team championship.
The Fayette County Board of Education heard a progress report on a new PBIS inventory tool and an update on the district's unaudited financial report at its October planning session. Items previewed for the Oct. 26 action meeting include a proposed Child Nutrition associate director position and a request to redirect leftover construction funds.
Fayette County Public Schools is holding three in-person Family Conversations and running a Family Survey from Oct. 14 through Oct. 30 to gather feedback on schools and the district. Interim Superintendent Bill Bradford announced the effort in an Oct. 12 letter to families.
Fayette County Public Schools and the Breeders' Cup Festival are running a districtwide 3D Coin Design Challenge in which student artwork is being turned into commemorative horseshoe displays. Residents can collect coins at downtown parks and Keeneland during Breeders' Cup Week events in late October.
Students at Glendover Elementary School in Lexington still recall lessons on watersheds and pollution months after completing an environmental education program, according to Fayette County Public Schools. A fifth grade teacher says the goal is to help students connect what they learn to the world around them.
Frederick Douglass High School senior Anderson Lang won the individual title at the 2026 KHSAA boys' golf state tournament on the second playoff hole, the first golf championship in school history. The Fayette County Public Schools announcement also notes the upcoming girls' state tournament on Oct. 9-10.
Harper Sharkey of Squires Elementary has been named the Lexington Fire Department's 2026 junior fire chief after winning an essay contest on safe battery charging practices.
Fayette County Public Schools is auctioning four surplus properties, including two former elementary schools, in November and December auctions managed by Tranzon Asset Advisors and Schrader Commercial Properties.
Three Fayette County Public Schools teachers have been honored by the Kentucky Association of Teacher Educators for leadership and innovation, with awards presented on Sept. 25 in Lexington.
Fayette County Public Schools and Russell Cave Elementary won Kentucky Department of Education awards for instructional best practices at the 2026 Continuous Improvement Summit, each receiving $1,000 in school improvement funds.
Fayette County Public Schools will host a free Early Childhood Summit on Oct. 17 at Tates Creek High School featuring keynote speaker Julie Breitigan, focusing on emotional growth, engagement, environment, and relationships as building blocks for supporting young children.
Leestown Middle School swept Fayette County Public Schools' middle school girls' basketball championships this season, with player Malaiya Mobley earning 2026 Player of the Year honors.
Jusnier Gastell Coira, lead custodian at Garrett Morgan Elementary in Lexington, has received the 2026 Impact Award from the Kentucky School Plant Management Association for his exceptional work and ability to connect with students and staff.
Winburn Middle School celebrated the conclusion of Fayette County Public Schools' One School, One Book initiative with a family night featuring performances and discussions about "Invisible," a novel about diverse middle schoolers that connected with students through themes of acceptance and belonging.
Leslie Vaughn, a school psychologist at Crawford Middle School and Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, has received a 2026 KAPS Best Practice Award from the Kentucky Association for Psychology in the Schools.
Jessie Clark and Liberty won multiple team titles at the 2026 FCPS Elementary and Middle School Cross Country Championship held Sept. 22 at Masterson Station Park.
Students from five Fayette County Public Schools were honored by the Kentucky Association for School Social Work for their involvement with the Kentucky Student Voice Team, which advocates for more democratic schools and communities.
Fayette County Public Schools has approved a corrective action plan to address financial challenges, including a public dashboard that allows residents to track the district's fiscal recovery efforts.
The Fayette County Board of Education approved a corrective action plan for budget processes on Sept. 21, launching a public transparency dashboard to track progress on addressing financial concerns.
Henry Clay boys defended their FCPS Cup golf title while Frederick Douglass girls won their third consecutive championship at the Sept. 16 tournament at Tates Creek Golf Course.
The Fayette Education Foundation held its rebranded "Champions for Students" fundraiser on Sept. 17, celebrating the teachers, volunteers, and community partners supporting Fayette County Public Schools. The event featured student performances and recognized Golden Apple Award winners from business, nonprofit, individual, and postsecondary education categories.
Fayette County Public Schools announced the 2025-26 Golden Apple Award recipients, honoring Toyota, CivicLex, Marty Jones of the Community Action Council, and Bluegrass Community & Technical College for their volunteer contributions and partnerships supporting district students.
Christy Cartner of Bryan Station High School has been named the 2026 High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year by the Kentucky State Council for the Social Studies, recognizing her 19 years of teaching and mentoring work.
Fayette County Public Schools announced winners of its 2026-27 High Attendance Day competition, with Glendover Elementary, Jessie Clark Middle and Frederick Douglass High schools leading their respective categories.
Fayette County Public Schools has named six committee members to lead the search for a new superintendent, fulfilling a state mandate to establish the screening panel within 30 days of the superintendent vacancy.
Fayette County Public Schools unveiled a six-part leadership recovery plan Sept. 10, addressing financial, academic, and operational challenges under interim leadership following a damaging independent audit.
Fayette County Public Schools has produced 51 semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, with Paul Laurence Dunbar contributing the largest number at 30 students.
Five educators from Fayette County Public Schools received regional recognition awards from the Kentucky Music Educators Association during the District 7 fall meeting, including three teachers of the year and an administrator of the year.
Fayette County Public Schools is accepting applications through Sept. 12 from Lexington high school students interested in joining the Bluegrass Youth Sustainability Council for the 2026-27 school year. BYSC is a student-led coalition that works on environmental projects including waste management, energy efficiency and urban landscaping.
Two Fayette County Public Schools students, Sarah Nur Islam of Winburn and Aarav Kumar Tibrewal of Paul Laurence Dunbar High, have advanced to the Top 300 of the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, one of the nation's premier STEM competitions for middle school students.
Fayette County Public Schools will recognize schools with the highest attendance rates on Kentucky's statewide High Attendance Day on September 9, emphasizing that regular attendance is vital to student academic success.
Jeremy Day, a school resource officer at Garden Springs and James Lane Allen elementary schools, has been named the September 2026 Kids' Champion by Fayette County Public Schools for his Fayette 50: Miles for Smiles fundraising campaign, which raised over $12,000 to help students afford back-to-school essentials.
Lexington has launched six free community book gardens offering neighborhood residents access to quality children's literature at no cost. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Fayette County Public Schools, local nonprofits, and community partners designed to build home libraries and improve early literacy.
Harrison Elementary reopened its preschool program this week following extensive renovations completed in December 2025, while also becoming a Visual and Performing Arts magnet school with new performance spaces and downtown arts partnerships.
Seventeen Fayette County Public Schools have earned recognition on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's 2026 list of America's Healthiest Schools, more than double the eight schools honored the previous year.
Fayette County Public Schools begins a search for a new superintendent following Demetrus Liggins' retirement, starting with nominations for a state-mandated screening committee opening Aug. 26.
Fayette County Public Schools has launched a "One School, One Book" initiative requiring all middle school students and staff to read a common novel centered on belonging, community, or safety, supported by the district's Stronger Connections grant to boost adolescent literacy and foster school community.
Forty-seven high school juniors, including 31 from Fayette County Public Schools, have been selected for the 2026-27 Leadership Lexington Youth Program, which develops student leaders through monthly sessions with local officials and business leaders.
Fayette County Public Schools is accepting registrations for fall auditions in visual and performing arts for gifted and talented programs, with a Sept. 25 deadline for students in grades 3-12.
Fayette County Public Schools has announced 24 nominees for its 2026 Golden Apple Awards recognizing community partners for their contributions to student achievement. Winners will be announced Sept. 17 at the Champions for Students event.
Lafayette High School ranks 9th in Kentucky and 1st in the Lexington area according to the 2026-27 U.S. News Best High Schools rankings, with a 97 percent graduation rate and high Advanced Placement participation.
Quantrell Subaru completed a three-year commitment to Lexington elementary schools by donating $36,000 in school supplies to six additional schools as part of the national Adopt a Classroom initiative.
Brenda Cowan Elementary and Dixie Magnet Elementary have been named 2025-27 National PTA Schools of Excellence, earning recognition for strengthening family engagement and student outcomes.
The Fayette County Board of Education unanimously accepted Superintendent Demetrus Liggins' retirement and formally affirmed Bill Bradford as interim superintendent following months of financial and administrative turmoil at Kentucky's second-largest school district.
Fayette County Public Schools is encouraging families to prepare for the 2026-27 school year beginning August 12, offering online back-to-school resources and implementing new policies including an electronics-free school day for high school students.
Fayette County Public Schools is urging families to prioritize regular attendance, warning that missing just two days per month can result in 1.5 years of lost learning by graduation. The push aligns with statewide efforts to combat chronic absenteeism.
Cumulus Media partners with Fayette County Public Schools for the "Stuff the Bus!" supply drive, with an in-person donation event Saturday at Paul Miller Ford. The initiative seeks backpacks, notebooks, writing supplies, and other classroom essentials for students ahead of the Aug. 12 school start date.
A coalition of local businesses has launched the Classroom Essentials Fund, raising over $500,000 to help Fayette County Public Schools teachers buy classroom supplies for the 2026–27 school year. Elementary teachers will receive $125 allocations through a secure online purchasing platform.
BJ Martin, associate principal at Henry Clay High School, has been elected vice president of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators, a position she will assume on the organization's board of directors.
Fayette County Public Schools is celebrating dozens of high school students selected for three prestigious, free statewide summer leadership programs including the Governor's Scholars Program, Governor's School for the Arts, and Governor's School for Entrepreneurs.
Fayette County Public Schools received audit findings identifying significant financial control weaknesses, with an accounting firm recommending 70 improvements to strengthen budgeting practices and internal controls.
An independent audit released by Fayette County Public Schools details significant financial control failures and policy gaps spanning budget processes, travel expenses, and financial management, stemming from a $16 million shortfall initially disclosed in May 2025.
Rise STEM Academy for Girls officially opened its new state-of-the-art building on Aug. 3, featuring flexible collaborative spaces designed to serve 900 students and located at the intersection of Mason Headley and Versailles Road in Lexington.
Fayette County Public Schools announced that several specialized programs including biomedical sciences, dual-language immersion, and STEM academies still have openings for the 2026-27 school year, with applications due by Aug. 7.
Kate Doctor, an English teacher and English Department chair at The Learning Center in Fayette County Public Schools, has been selected as one of 24 educators for the Kentucky Innovative Teacher Fellowship for 2026-27.
Katherine Blackard, a teacher at Henry Clay High School, received the 2026 Regional Impact Award from the Kentucky Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences, recognizing her work in nutrition and consumer sciences education.
Jenny Mock, a physical education teacher at Leestown Middle School, has been named the 2026 Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by KYSHAPE, the state affiliate of SHAPE America.
The YMCA of Central Kentucky will host Back to School Rallies on August 2 at seven locations across Central Kentucky, distributing free backpacks and school supplies to elementary, middle, and high school students.
Fayette County Public Schools requires all student medications to be stored in the school nurse's office with proper documentation and physician authorization when needed.
Fayette County Public Schools' school-based health clinics reopen August 3, offering physical exams, vaccinations, mental health services and dental care to students preparing for the new school year.
Fayette County Public Schools is opening applications July 27 for free and reduced-price meals in the 2026-27 school year. Families must reapply annually, with eligibility based on household income.
Fayette County Public Schools is offering voluntary student accident insurance through K&K Insurance Group for the 2026-27 school year to help families manage medical costs from school-related injuries.
Fayette County Public Schools is expanding its Cuts & Curls program to offer free and reduced-price haircuts to students throughout the 2026-27 school year, with appointments available at local barbershops and salons around Lexington.
Fayette County Public Schools is asking families to update household information in the Infinite Campus student system before August to ensure accurate records and help plan for the 2026-27 school year, which begins August 12.
Fayette County Public Schools is promoting SchoolCash Online, a 24/7 digital payment platform for school fees, field trips, yearbooks and other student costs. Families can register at FCPS.net/schoolcash and will receive email notifications about fees as schools add details for the 2026-27 school year.
The Kentucky Horse Park will host a free Back to School Bash for Fayette County Public Schools students and families on July 25, featuring horse interactions, school performances, food trucks and other activities.
Fayette County Public Schools will pilot a new local accountability model in 2026-27 that emphasizes community priorities and student growth beyond standardized testing, with five key framework areas developed with business and community input.
Fayette County Public Schools students earned multiple medals and top finishes at the 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., with standout performances from Lafayette High School, Jessie Clark Middle School, and Beaumont Middle School.
Josephine Frimpong, a rising sophomore at Frederick Douglass High School in Lexington, has won the national SIFMA Foundation InvestWrite essay competition for the second year in a row, besting over 1,500 high school entries with her analysis of portfolio diversification and long-term investing strategy.
Four Fayette County Public Schools students have been nominated for the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children's 2025-26 "Yes I Can!" award, which honors children and youth with special needs and will recognize winners at a statewide conference in November.
George Washington Carver STEM Academy for Boys and Frederick Douglass High School earn Cognia accreditation from the nonprofit quality assurance organization, with Carver also receiving STEM certification.
The Hub for Innovative Learning and Leadership in Lexington has been named Kentucky's first Law and Public Safety Program of Excellence by the Law and Public Safety Education Network, recognizing the school's career and technical education pathway that prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections and emergency services.
Fayette County Public Schools is partnering with Springboard Collaborative this July to offer a free four-week literacy program for 75 elementary students at Millcreek Elementary, combining classroom instruction with family workshops to boost reading skills and parent engagement.
Three Fayette County Public Schools graduates earned college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships for 2026, bringing the district's total to at least 13 recipients this year.
Leonardo Jaramillo-Jones, a visual art teacher at Lexington Middle School in Fayette County, received a 2026 Distinguished Specialist Award from the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, one of four honorees recognized at the national conference in St. Louis this month.
Preston Wang of Frederick Douglass High School placed seventh in Sports & Entertainment Management at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, with classmate Jillian Downey earning finalist honors in Visual Design. The school's FBLA chapter received Gold Champion Chapter recognition.
A Lafayette High School TSA team won second place in Architectural Design at the June 2026 National Technology Student Association Conference in the Washington, D.C. area, with individual competitors also earning top finishes.
Fayette County Public Schools will destroy special education records for students born before June 30, 1997, and Section 504 records for students born between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2003, following state and federal retention requirements.
Frederick Douglass High School students earned multiple awards at the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference in Portland, Oregon, competing against thousands of aspiring educators from across the United States.
Evelyn Maggard of Hayes Middle School won first place in Onsite Art Painting at the 2026 Junior National Beta Convention in Nashville, advancing from her third-place finish at the state competition.
Fayette County Public Schools officials updated the board July 6 on progress toward district strategic plan goals, with leaders discussing plans for expanding priorities as the current five-year initiative approaches completion in 2027.
The Career and Technical Education Partnership Council launched its third year with new leadership and plans to expand connections between Fayette County Public Schools and local employers through an employer guide and progressive engagement strategy.
A Fayette County Public Schools resource officer will be honored as the Hometown Hero at Friday's Lexington Legends game for planning a 50-mile walking campaign to raise back-to-school funds for students in need.
Two Fayette County Public Schools students—Saachi Thomas from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and Ezra Anglin from Lafayette High School—have been selected to serve on the Kentucky Department of Education's Commissioner's Student Advisory Council for 2026-2027.
Fayette County Public Schools is hiring substitute bus drivers and bus monitors for the 2026-27 school year, with interviews scheduled for July 7 at the John D. Price Administration Building. Selected candidates will receive paid training starting July 27.
Nearly four dozen middle school students completed the KC7 Cybersecurity Summer Camp in Lexington, developing digital forensics and problem-solving skills through a five-day program designed for students with no prior coding experience.
Fayette County Public Schools took 37 middle schoolers on a three-day college tour of six Kentucky campuses to expose them to diverse higher education paths and help inspire their future career planning.
Fayette County Public Schools students participated in an equine art masterclass at Mill Ridge Farm with professional artist Jaime Corum, with their work to be exhibited at Keeneland's Sporting Art Auction in November as part of an effort to establish an Equine Arts Scholarship Fund.
Dr. Caroline Morales, currently assistant principal at Lafayette High School, will become principal of Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, an alternative education program, effective July 1.
Fayette County Public Schools is hosting a free Kindergarten Literacy Fair on June 26 at the Goodwill Opportunity Center to provide families with educational materials, resources, and support to prepare children for kindergarten.
Fayette County Public Schools held its inaugural Athletic Summit on June 23 with about 250 coaches and athletic directors, featuring Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman as keynote speaker urging educators to believe in their students' potential.
Three Fayette County Public Schools principals—Alexander Butler, Felicia Lindsay, and Holly Vogler—have completed the year-long Kentucky Chamber Foundation Leadership Institute for School Principals, joining a graduating class of 44 educators from across the state.
Fayette County Public Schools is offering extensive summer programs including academic support, dual-credit college courses, community partnership initiatives through Toyota's Driving Possibilities program, and performances of "Seussical" featuring nearly 80 high school students.
Haylee Tucker, a Paul Laurence Dunbar High School graduate affiliated with Locust Trace AgriScience Center, was elected as the 2026-27 state reporter for Kentucky FFA, a position requiring extensive training and statewide representation.
Four Lafayette High School students earned national honors in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, with two receiving gold medals for their writing submissions in the prestigious national competition.
Audrey Webster of Henry Clay High School earned the 2026 girls' lacrosse Player of the Year award after scoring 73 goals to lead the Blue Devils to the state semifinals.
Bryan Station pitcher Karsyn Rockvoan has been named the 2026 All-City Player of the Year in softball after leading the Defenders to the 42nd District title and 11th Region runner-up finish with 301 strikeouts and a 2.18 ERA.
Henry Clay senior pitcher JT Ritchie has been named the 2026 All-City Player of the Year after leading the Blue Devils to the 42nd District championship, posting a 6-1 record with a 1.65 ERA while also contributing significantly as a hitter.
Acting Superintendent Dr. Bill Bradford addressed media Monday, pledging to restore stability and fiscal health to Fayette County Public Schools following the recent placement of former Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins on paid administrative leave.
Fayette County Public Schools opened applications for its 2026-27 preschool program, which is available to Fayette County children who turn 4 by Aug. 1 and meet income or disability requirements.
Three Fayette County Public Schools communications staff earned national awards from the National School Public Relations Association for videos and marketing campaigns promoting the district.
The Fayette County Board of Education placed Superintendent Demetrus Liggins on paid administrative leave and named Assistant Superintendent Bill Bradford as acting superintendent following confusion over Liggins' employment status.
The Fayette County Board of Education voted unanimously to place Superintendent Demetrus Liggins on paid administrative leave pending an employment review. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Bill Bradford was named acting superintendent.
Rebecca Shearer, a 28-year education veteran and current Academy Coach at Bryan Station High School, will serve as interim principal starting July 1. She succeeds Eric Hale, who departed after being named Kentucky's 2024 Secondary Principal of the Year.
Fayette County Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has submitted his resignation, with the school board scheduled to meet June 10 to discuss the transition and interim leadership. The resignation follows months of controversy over the district's financial mismanagement.
Bryan Station Middle School sixth-grade science teacher Trino Grau has been named a 2027 Kentucky Teacher Achievement Award winner, one of nine educators statewide recognized with the distinction. Grau teaches in the school's Spanish Dual Language Immersion program and will be honored at a Frankfort ceremony in September.
The Fayette County Board of Education approved the sale of land at Lexington Middle School to expand an educational plaza honoring abolitionists Lewis and Harriet Hayden. The board also reviewed proposals including a request to designate Tates Creek High's IB programme as a gifted and talented option and rezoning plans for a new elementary school opening in 2027.
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School's Class of 2026 graduated on June 5 at Rupp Arena, concluding Fayette County Public Schools' two-day graduation celebration for all six district high schools.
Bryan Station High School celebrated its Class of 2026 during graduation ceremonies on June 5 at Rupp Arena, marking the conclusion of four years of studies for students at the Fayette County school.
Tates Creek High School celebrated its Class of 2026 at a graduation ceremony on June 5, with over 250 graduates earning the Seal of Biliteracy during one of six district ceremonies this week.
Lafayette High School held its Class of 2026 graduation ceremony June 4 at Rupp Arena, one of six FCPS high schools celebrating their seniors across two days. The school continues to maintain strong academic metrics with a 97% graduation rate.
Henry Clay High School celebrated its Class of 2026 at a commencement ceremony June 4 at Rupp Arena, with senior class president Amarie Coleman delivering remarks encouraging graduates to cherish their success and those who helped them achieve it.
Frederick Douglass High School held its Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4 at Rupp Arena, with hundreds of students receiving their diplomas as they pursue diverse educational and career paths.
Fayette County Public Schools will present the musical "Seussical" June 26-28 at Frederick Douglass High School, featuring nearly 80 high school students from across the district.
The HealthFirst Bluegrass school-based clinic at Tates Creek High School will operate weekdays through July 17, offering physicals, vaccinations, and mental health services to help FCPS students prepare for the new school year.
Nearly a dozen Fayette County Public Schools students won awards in the 2026 KET Young Writers Contest, with Rosa Parks Elementary producing five winners across multiple writing categories.
Five Fayette County Public Schools graduates have earned college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships for 2026, with awards ranging from $500 to $2,000 annually.
Bryan Station High School's production of "Sweeney Todd – School Edition" won a Behind the Scenes Excellence Award at the Kentucky Performing Arts Bradley Awards, competing against three dozen schools from Kentucky and Indiana.
Fayette County Public Schools' award-winning EPIC Esports program completed a successful season with Boone Contracting, culminating in live design challenges where students transformed historic Lexington buildings in Minecraft Education.
Fayette County Public Schools athletes won multiple individual titles at the 2026 KTCCCA track championships, with Aiyonna Ashley and Tylah Walker winning middle school events while Liberty Elementary claimed the elementary state team championship.
Seven Lafayette High School students earned awards at the 2026 DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, where more than 25,000 students competed in business and marketing competitions.
Fayette County Public Schools and partner organizations are offering free breakfast and lunch to children 18 and younger this summer through the USDA's SUN Meals program at multiple locations throughout the community.
Bryan Station High's softball team reached the 11th Region championship game for the first time in program history before losing 4-0 to Madison Central, capping a remarkable postseason turnaround despite struggling during the regular season.
Frederick Douglass High School senior Alayshia Catching, inspired by her first-grade teacher, is pursuing a career in education after participating in the school's Teaching & Learning pathway, which she will continue at the University of Kentucky this fall.
More than 200 high school seniors in Fayette County Public Schools have earned the Seal of Arts Excellence, which recognizes advanced specialization in visual and performing arts. Recipients receive a medal, a diploma seal, and transcript notation.
Rise STEM Academy for Girls in Lexington became Kentucky's first school to earn national STEM certification from the National Institute for STEM Education, with seven teachers also earning individual certifications.
Alima Sylva of Bryan Station High School received the $5,000 Superintendent of the Year Student Scholarship after Superintendent Demetrus Liggins was named Kentucky's 2026 Superintendent of the Year by the Kentucky Association of School Administrators.