LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Fayette County Board of Education approved the sale of property at Lexington Middle School on June 8, clearing the way for the Lexington Freedom Train Committee to expand an educational plaza honoring abolitionists Lewis and Harriet Hayden.

The board voted to sell a 1,168-square-foot parcel to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for $1,500. The land sits at the corner of North Limestone and East Fourth streets in front of the school, where a monument to the Haydens was unveiled last year as part of the city's commemoration of its history and the couple's role in the abolitionist movement.

The June 8 meeting, a planning session ahead of the board's June 22 action meeting, also addressed several proposals set for board consideration later this month. Among them: a request to designate Tates Creek High School's International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme as a gifted and talented option in leadership. Tates Creek has offered the IB Programme since 2007, providing a rigorous international curriculum recognized worldwide.

The board also reviewed a recommended rezoning plan to accommodate the opening of Helen Caise Wade Elementary on Greendale Road in August 2027. The new school is named after Caise Wade, who became the first African American student to attend a white high school in Lexington when she enrolled in summer classes at Lafayette High School in 1955.

Superintendent Demetrus Liggins reviewed more than three dozen items on the consent agenda. Under separate consideration were proposed updates to the 2026-27 Student Code of Conduct. The board also approved cafeteria meal prices for 2026-27.

Chief of Staff Tracy Bruno presented updates on how legislation from the 2026 session will affect FCPS, including changes to non-traceable communications between staff and students and standardization of school board sizes to five members across Kentucky.

The board is expected to vote June 22 on proposed industrial revenue bonds for the renovation of Rose Tower apartments and a residential development on Midland Avenue.

Community members may attend school board meetings at the John D. Price Administration Building, 450 Park Place. Monthly action meetings are livestreamed on the FCPS YouTube channel.