LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Fayette County Board of Education moved forward on a property sale and reviewed significant gains in student career readiness during its planning work session on January 12, 2026.

The board voted unanimously to approve a contract with Schrader Commercial Properties and Tranzon Asset Advisors to sell the former Southside Technical Center building on Harrodsburg Road. The facility, originally constructed in 1976, was later sold for $5.5 million. The district closed the location in May 2025 after opening the Hub for Innovative Learning and Leadership downtown, consolidating all career and technical education programs at that facility.

During the meeting, Amanda Wickersham, director of Career and Technical Education, presented data showing strong growth in postsecondary readiness. Wickersham noted data on seniors showing an 11 percent increase in career readiness for the past two years. District-wide, the data highlighted an 11 percent increase in students passing industry certifications, a 9 percent increase in dual-credit course completions, and a 7.4 percent increase in work-based learning participation.

Eric Hale, executive principal at Bryan Station High School, shared details about his school's achievement. The school hit a 98.5 percent postsecondary readiness rate, with a 20 percent increase in career readiness this year. Hale attributed the success to systems and structures that emphasize presence, performance, and pride across the school's diverse student body. Bryan Station recorded a 35 percent increase in students completing work-based learning opportunities.

The board also approved minutes from its December 18, 2025 meeting and consent items related to staff leave and school schedules. The meeting served as a planning session ahead of the board's action meeting scheduled for January 26.

Members of the public comment period raised concerns about district spending and early intervention staffing. One resident questioned budget projections showing potential overspending, while another speaker addressed compensation changes for summer staff evaluating children in Kentucky's early intervention system.