Parents press Fayette County board for transparency on RISE/GWC moves; union supporters ask for bargaining resolution

During the public-comment period Sarah Flood Bowman, a parent connected with RISE STEM Academy, urged the board to make decisions about RISE and George Washington Carver (GWC) "data driven, transparent, and on time." She said recent lotteries show more than 400 applications, including over 100 for kindergarten, but that cohousing reduced kindergarten seats to 48 and left a wait list. Bowman asked whether facility timelines, contractor coordination, budgets and surveys of staff and families have been completed and pressed for a timeline of milestones.

Bowman also asked about the status of a "urinal waiver" and whether Kentucky code approvals and demolition/purchasing timelines are in place to ensure bathrooms will be ready for students on day one. She said she will submit public-record requests to confirm transparency and asked the board to set clear milestones so students are not left in ambiguity.

Later in the public-comment period Sarah Feimaster Byerly, speaking on behalf of AFT advocates present, again called for a board resolution to permit collective bargaining and for the board to work with staff on a fair, democratic resolution that would let staff vote on union representation.

Board members did not take action on either request during the meeting; staff recorded the concerns and public records and follow-up were discussed as possible next steps.