Building conditions at a top Lexington school are ‘abysmal,’ parents tell board

A packed room of students, parents and teachers from the School for the Creative and Performing Arts, a gifted and talented program, asked the Fayette school board for a new or renovated facility.

“We’ve been patient, but we would like to become a priority,” school principal Beth Randolph said during the school board’s Monday meeting.

Parent Brett Evans said the facility is in “abysmal shape,” too small and unsafe.

SCAPA, on Lafayette Parkway, is Fayette County Public School’s magnet program for students in grades 4-12 who exhibit excellence in one of nine artistic areas: ballet, band, contemporary dance, drama, literary art, piano, strings, visual art or vocal music.

Students must audition in their chosen area and meet selection criteria.

SCAPA is at the top of the state in test scores thanks to an arts integrated education, said Trey Moore, father of a SCAPA student.

In 2022, SCAPA was rated No. 2 in elementary and middle school programs in the state, with the elementary program receiving a 97.9 rating and the middle a 94, based on state test scores. SCAPA Elementary was also the top elementary school in the state in the number of students scoring proficient and distinguished in math.

But the school is lacking in performance space and parents sitting beyond the front rows often can’t see their students, parents told board members.

Student Wells Moore said students need more space. A new space could increase the student population by hundreds, according to those who spoke.

Parent Sandra Chambers Reed said if capacity could be increased at SCAPA, diversity could also be increased.

“We care about sharing the joy of the arts with others,” student Grace Hellard said.

Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said in a later interview that addressing the concerns was a school board decision but he appreciated students expressing their rights as citizens.