Fayette County school board member resigns for ‘personal reasons’
Fayette County Public Schools board member Tom Jones has resigned from his position for “personal reasons,” he told the Herald-Leader Monday.
At the school board’s regular Monday meeting, the board accepted the resignation and announced a vacancy on the school board. Board chair Tyler Murphy expressed his gratitude to Jones.
“I would like to thank Mr. Jones for his service to FCPS, our students and community,” he said.
Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said, “Mr. Jones’ tenure on this board has showcased an enduring commitment to education and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student within our district,” emphasizing Jones’ contributions.
Jones was elected the District 3 representative in 2020, and his term was set to expire in 2024. Jones resigned last week, he said.
Jones was a teacher and administrator in FCPS for 27 years, including 16 as principal at Bryan Station Middle School.
Jones opened the school board’s September regular meeting with an apology for comments he made during a budget meeting five months ago. The comment was criticized by a member of the Fayette County Schools Equity Council committee as a “racial microaggression.”
In the previous budget meeting, Jones said he did not want district officials “monkeying around” with the budget.
Members of the Fayette County Schools Equity Council committee raised concerns again at an October 3 council meeting, saying that Jones’ apology and the response after he made the comment were lacking.
Jones did not immediately comment Monday about whether his resignation was prompted by the controversy.
Filling the seat
The school board will select a new board member in the next 60 days as required under a state law. Recent changes in state law have made local school boards responsible for filling vacancies among their ranks.
The board will accept applications from those interested in filling the seat until 5 p.m. November 20. Details outlining the application process will be made available by the close of business Tuesday.
District 3 encompasses the eastern section of Fayette County, including Hamburg, Chilesburg and outbound Richmond Road.
To be eligible for school boards in Kentucky, candidates must meet the following criteria:
▪ Must be a legal resident and registered voter in Kentucky for the past three years, as well as a voting resident of Fayette County School Board District 3.
▪ Must be 24 years of age or older.
▪ Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent (transcript verification required).
▪ The selected candidate will hold office until the November 2024 general election.
Comprehensive information regarding the vacancy will be accessible on the district website, a news release said.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
