Latest news with #FCPS
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
Northern Colorado man arrested, accused of selling marijuana to minors
A man in northern Colorado is facing drug charges after he allegedly sold marijuana to minors through social media. According to the Fort Collins Police Department, officers and Loveland Police SWAT arrested Garett Van Mullins on Thursday as part of an ongoing investigation into underage marijuana sales. Larimer County Sheriff's Office Police said they believe Van Mullins has been using social media sites under the monikers "420 Minister" and "I Am Foundation Church" to sell marijuana. Van Mullins is facing charges of unlawful distribution of marijuana to a minor, a class 3 felony. Authorities asked anyone with information on the case or who believes their teenager purchased from him to contact FCPS Marijuana Enforcement Officer Jim Lenderts at (970) 416-2949 or jlenderts@
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kentucky state auditor to conduct investigation of Fayette County Public Schools
(Fayette County Public Schools) Republican State Auditor Allison Ball announced her office would begin a special investigation of Fayette County Public Schools following public scrutiny of a proposed tax increase. She announced the investigation Tuesday morning. Last week, Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman's office said the school district's board failed to give proper public notice before voting to increase occupational taxes within the district. 'Upon review of publicly available information, as well as listening to concerns from parents and other constituents, I have determined that my office will conduct a special examination of the Fayette County Public School District,' Ball said in her statement. In May, the FCPS board voted 3-2 to approved an occupational tax increase of 0.25% to take effect in January. The board approved a $848 million proposed budget with the tax increase that would cost residents an average of $13 more per month, local media outlets reported. Following the attorney general's opinion, FCPS initially planned to reconsider the tax proposal during a June 23 meeting. However, board chair Tyler Murphy said FCPS would pause the proposal, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. Ball's investigation received praise from Republican state Sens. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, Jared Carpenter, Donald Douglas, Greg Elkins, Matt Nunn and Steve West. They all represent parts of Fayette County. Mays Bledsoe previously requested the attorney general's office review the matter. In a joint statement released shortly after Ball's announcement, the senators said they are 'committed to the success of our public education system and to standing with the dedicated teachers who serve our students' and have 'heard from many constituents who are deeply concerned about Fayette County Public Schools, particularly regarding district spending and the board's recent occupational tax vote, which was determined to be unlawful.' The senators said that decisions of the school district carry 'educational consequences' as well as 'regional economic and workforce implications.' 'Transparency, honesty, and community engagement are essential,' the senators said. 'The district must practice these principles, not merely talk about them. A deeper, independent review could clarify how taxpayer dollars are being spent, identify areas for improvement, and help restore public confidence in the district's leadership. 'We believe in our schools, we support our teachers, and we believe accountability, openness, and trust are the foundation for moving forward. If the board seeks to rebuild its image in the eyes of the public, we ask board members and district leadership to support an independent review.' The issue isn't completely partisan. Democratic Rep. Anne Gay Donworth, of Lexington, addressed the board during its May 27 meeting to express concern about the transparency behind the tax proposal. Dia Davidson-Smith, a spokesperson for FCPS, said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that the school district 'is committed to continuous improvement and, above all, student success.' 'We are proud of the strategic investments we've made in our schools, which are leading to stronger outcomes, expanded opportunities, and meaningful progress in closing longstanding opportunity gaps,' Davidson-Smith added. 'The State Auditor has the full authority to conduct a special examination at her discretion, and we welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with her office. We are confident that a fair and thorough review of our operations will affirm our commitment to excellence, equity, and transparency in service to our students and community.' Previous audits and financial reports for FCPS are published on the school district's website. KY United 120-AFT, a teachers' union, said that it was glad the FCPS board paused the tax proposal in a statement Tuesday afternoon. The union encouraged board members and the school district to 'work together to create change in the budget process and to be better to each other and the constituents they serve' as well as work with Ball in her upcoming investigation. 'We ask them to work with their rank-and-file staff and finally allow a vote on collective bargaining, as the need for formal staff input is much needed. We ask them to embrace the opportunity to highlight the amazing work our district provides to students but also to embrace any criticism as a call to action on how we improve — not as a political attack,' KY United 120-AFT said. 'Trust is easily broken, but even harder to rebuild. As always, we are ready to work and will continue to show up on behalf of our kids, members, and community. FCPS is and can be a beacon for what public education can be when we all work together. Let's thrive together.' This story was updated with additional comments Tuesday afternoon.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
School board chair defends controversial tax vote that could trigger state audit
Fayette school board chairman Tyler Murphy on Friday defended the school district in the face of a threatened state audit, lawmakers' criticism and a Kentucky attorney general's opinion of unlawfulness. 'FCPS is not the problem. In fact, we've stepped up time and again to fill the gap left by misplaced priorities at the state and federal levels, recognizing that our public schools remain the bedrock of our community and our local economy,' Murphy said in a Facebook post. Republican Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman ruled Wednesday the school board failed to provide the legally required notice to the public before its May 27 meeting and vote to ask the fiscal court to raise the occupational license tax for schools. On Friday, Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said the school board will hold a second vote on June 23. The school board will also a public hearing on a yet to be announced day on raising the tax. Parents and other people in the community, Democrats and Republicans, have expressed concerns about a lack of transparency in how the school board handled the vote. Notice of a May 27 vote was made known to the public only when it was attached to an online meeting agenda on the Memorial Day weekend before. Some have raised concerns about the school board's process, others about the possibility of a tax rate increase, and many others about the district's budget shortfall. Republican Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball said Thursday she is considering a financial examination or audit of the school district. Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, and Rep. Matt Lockett, R-Nicholasville are among those criticizing the district for a lack of transparency. Bledsoe asked for the AG opinion and talked to Ball about conducting a state audit. That drew a rebuke from Murphy. 'We don't need lectures from those pushing policies that harm working families and children,' he said. 'Our community rejected voucher schemes at the ballot box, and our community will continue to defend public education from political theatrics designed to distract and divide,' he said. 'While we always welcome dialogue and feedback that help us improve, it's important that the conversation begins with facts and reflects the reality of the work happening in our schools each day.' According to the attorney general's opinion, the school board's 3-2 vote to ask the Fayette Fiscal Court to increase school tax rates on residents and businesses' net income from 0.5% to 0.75% was improper. That's because, under state law, school boards must notify the public and hold a formal hearing before voting on new or increased taxes. Fayette school district officials argue the vote was legal and the tax increase was needed to cover a $16 million budget shortfall. The district recently approved an $848 million tentative budget for 2025-2026. The reality is that FCPS is a district with real momentum, he said: ▪ The district has received five consecutive perfect financial audits from independent, outside auditors, demonstrating responsible fiscal stewardship. ▪ Not a single FCPS school is labeled 'underperforming.' ▪ Though FCPS educates 6% of Kentucky's students, Fayette students account for 34% of the state's highest academic performers. ▪ The district continues to narrow opportunity gaps for student groups who have historically been underserved, improving outcomes in academic achievement, access to advanced coursework and readiness for college, careers, and life. ▪ FCPS maintains a financial transparency dashboard where anyone can track the district's expenses and budget. He said FCPS is on budget and in the black for FY2025. 'While we are proud of the progress being made, we are equally committed to transparency and continuous improvement. We know we must keep raising the bar for ourselves, in how we communicate, how we govern, and how we deliver on the promise of public education,' Murphy said 'That said, it's hard to ignore the broader political landscape. At a time when Washington and Frankfort are plagued by division, and decisions are too often made to benefit the powerful few, public schools have become a convenient target.'
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kentucky auditor reviewing concerns surrounding Fayette County Public Schools finances
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — State leaders said Fayette County parents are voicing concerns about financial decisions being made by school board leadership after an attempted tax hike was found unlawful by the attorney general's office. Kentucky AG: Fayette County Public Schools violated law in attempted tax hike According to Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) leaders, an occupational tax increase was proposed as a necessary evolution in the school's future budget to balance against anticipated funding cuts, as well as increased demand on school staff and the school facilities themselves. 'This shift broadens the tax base to equitably support public education and ensure long-term sustainability without placing additional strain on property owners,' Dia Davidson-Smith, spokesperson for FCPS, said. 'We encourage our community to look beyond headlines and social media chatter and consider the full context of our decisions. Each investment is made thoughtfully, strategically, and with the success of our students in mind. Our progress is not by chance. It is the result of deliberate planning, partnership, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of public education.' Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman wrote on Wednesday in an opinion that the school board's tax hike proposal was unlawful. HPD arrests woman for allegedly threatening drivers with box cutter Looking for a perfect swim day? These are the 5 clearest lakes in Kentucky Release of Steven Lawson proceedings temporarily prohibited by court 'If the Fayette County School Board members believe they need more of Kentuckians' hard-earned dollars, they should clearly and publicly make their case before their own constituents,' the attorney general wrote. Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, said in a news release on Thursday that she proposed the possibility of initiating an FCPS audit to State Auditor Allison Ball. She commended the Fayette County Fiscal Court for its decision to halt a vote on the proposed hike. Fayette County fiscal court halts vote on school tax increase after AG opinion 'Given widespread concerns about spending priorities and the recent tax controversy, an independent review could provide much-needed transparency and reassurance,' Bledsoe said in a news release. 'Taxpayers deserve to know that education dollars are being used effectively, and I will continue to push for accountability where it's needed.' Auditor Ball told FOX 56 that she's heard about financial concerns at FCPS from more sources than just Sen. Mays-Bledsoe. 'I have heard from parents and other constituents concerned about the state of FCPS,' Ball said. 'In light of our ongoing audits of the Kentucky Department of Education and the Jefferson County Public School system, my office is reviewing these concerns to determine our next steps.' The school board carried out the rest of its June 5 meeting as planned, deciding on unrelated agenda items. The next school board meeting will be June 23. Madylin Goins contributed to this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Former Rock Creek School secretary ordered to serve 15 days in jail, pay restitution for theft scheme
A Frederick woman on Thursday was ordered to serve 15 days in jail and pay $23,800 in restitution to Frederick County Public Schools for stealing from the Student Activities Fund at Rock Creek School, where she worked. Rebecca Mae Main, 65, pleaded guilty on March 6 to one count of theft scheme between $1,500 and $25,000. The theft scheme lasted from 2020 to 2023 while Main worked as an administrative secretary at the school. Rock Creek School, a part of FCPS, provides individualized special education programs for students age 3 to 21 with severe intellectual, physical, emotional, hearing, visual and learning disabilities, according to its website. Over the course of the theft scheme, prosecutors said, Main made out three dozen checks to herself and deposited them into her personal bank account. The checks were supposedly reimbursements for money that Main spent on behalf of the school, but FCPS had no record of why the checks were sent, The Frederick News-Post previously reported. During a hearing in Frederick County District Court on Thursday, Assistant State's Attorney Morgan McLaughlin said that, although Main had no prior criminal record, the theft scheme amounted to "a brazen and continuous course of conduct" that directly harmed the county's neediest students. McLaughlin said Main's original sentencing hearing was postponed for 90 days to allow time for her to come up with money to repay the school system. He said he did not consider the $400 Main came prepared to pay on Thursday "a good faith" effort on that front. According to McLaughlin, FCPS wanted to send a staff member to speak at the sentencing hearing on Thursday, but could not because it is so close to the end of the school year. He said the school system sent a letter instead. FCPS acknowledged, but did not respond to, a request for comment about Main's case on Thursday. Gabriella Farago, a public defender who represented Main at the sentencing hearing, said the theft scheme took place against the backdrop of severe medical issues and financial problems Main was having. "Sometimes when bad things happen to us, we make the wrong choices," Farago said. "I'm very sorry and I regret it," Main told the court on Thursday. "I'll do everything I have to to rectify this." She did not say anything more in her statement to the court. Frederick County District Court Judge Eric Schaffer on Thursday said that while "everybody has financial issues, not everybody steals." He sentenced Main to five years in prison and suspended all but 15 days. Schaffer also ordered Main to serve five years of supervised probation, but said she could file for early termination if she pays the full amount of restitution before then. As a condition of her probation, Main will not be allowed to return to the Rock Creek school or to FCPS in general. "You're going to see the inside of a jail cell for 15 days," Schaffer said. "I want you to think about what you did," he continued. "I'll take a very dim view of you if you don't make these victims whole."
