Fayette County Schools in Budget Crisis | Lexington News

Fayette County Public Schools faces a razor-thin $751.6 million budget for the next fiscal year, with a critical $8 million hanging on the hope of selling school properties — a gamble that could leave them staring down another deficit if it fails. After ending last year with a $5.5 million shortfall, their emergency fund is now slashed to just $5.7 million, forcing deep cuts: 120 positions and $20 million in operating costs. To balance books, they need $18.5 million more — and that number jumps to $18.5 million again next year — unless property sales materialize or new revenue emerges. With 85% of expenses locked in by personnel and benefits, administrators are bracing for tough choices like reduced workdays or scaled-back pay raises, while desperately avoiding tax hikes and exploring grants — all while trying not to compromise essential services. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/aabbc1c65ddd40d4