LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fayette County Public Schools released a comprehensive leadership plan Sept. 10 aimed at restoring financial stability and strengthening operations across the district following months of financial mismanagement and audit findings.

Interim Superintendent Bill Bradford and Interim Chief Financial Officer Kyna Koch presented the six-pronged plan to the school board during a planning session, focusing on financial recovery, academic quality, specialized programs, staffing controls, emergency preparedness, and governance transparency.

The plan comes as the district grapples with significant fiscal challenges. An independent audit by Weaver Tidwell made 70 recommendations after finding the district's general fund ended fiscal year 2026 with a deficit, having spent $10 million more than its $700 million projected revenue. The audit identified multiple control gaps, including salary overages exceeding $20 million and a supplies budget shortfall of $6 million.

Koch announced development of a transparency dashboard for budget processes and a corrective action plan responding to the Weaver audit findings. "We hope to make a lot of progress in the next couple of months," she said during the presentation.

Bradford noted that broad-based task forces will guide implementation of the plan, with the board receiving regular updates on progress. The leadership team emphasized the long-term nature of the recovery effort, noting that improvements will require sustained effort beyond the coming months.

The full board meeting materials and audio recording are available on the district website. The leadership plan presentation is also publicly accessible.