LEXINGTON, Ky. — A coalition of local businesses and organizations has launched the Classroom Essentials Fund, providing more than $500,000 to help Fayette County Public Schools teachers purchase vital classroom supplies and instructional resources for the 2026–27 school year, according to an announcement from FCPS.

The fund was established by Commerce Lexington, Central Bank, Keeneland, and Daren and Kirsten Turner, with support from more than a dozen additional business partners and community organizations. The initiative comes as FCPS faces budget constraints that led to the elimination of a per-teacher classroom stipend. The Commerce Lexington Foundation will administer distributions to ensure accountability and measurable impact, with 100 percent of contributions directed to classroom and instructional needs.

Elementary teachers will receive individual allocations of $125 per teacher, while middle and high school funds will be managed at the school level to address departmental priorities. The first purchasing window runs through Aug. 20, with a second opportunity planned for January using remaining balances and additional fall contributions.

"This generous commitment directly supports our classrooms, ensuring our educators have the resources needed to continue to foster vibrant learning for FCPS students," said Miranda Scully, executive director of Public Engagement for FCPS. "We are deeply grateful for the investment in our schools and our community's future."

Teachers typically spend an average of $800 annually from their own pockets on classroom supplies, according to AdoptAClassroom.org. National education data shows that students with adequate supplies are more likely to participate actively in classroom learning.

The fund has partnered with Equity Solutions Group to operate a secure online purchasing platform where teachers and principals can buy approved supplies from participating educational vendors at discounted prices. All purchases will be tracked and documented for transparency.

Contributors include BIA Education Foundation, Black Faith Leaders of Lexington and Vicinity, Blue & Co., Bluegrass Sotheby's International Realty, Congleton-Hacker Co., Dentons, Fifth Third Bank, Ken and Crinda Franke, Gray Inc., Kelly & Claudia Healy, Kroger, Lexington Christian Academy, Lexington Clinic, Mayor Linda Gorton, MKP Management, NiSource Charitable Foundation/Columbia Gas, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, and Winterwood.

Businesses and organizations interested in contributing can make tax-deductible donations through the Commerce Lexington Foundation website. For questions, contact Lisa Mahan, vice president of Strategic Partnerships, at (859) 226-1605.