Fayette County students help design Hailey Pike landfill solar project, district hears
February 03, 2026 | Fayette County, Kentucky
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Miranda Scully, the district's executive director of public engagement, introduced representatives of a renewables developer who outlined a proposed Hailey Pike landfill solar project that could reach as much as 67 megawatts and include a community benefit plan emphasizing workforce development and environmental stewardship.
Amy Samples, identified in the presentation as chief operating officer, and Brad Clark, vice president of social impact, said the firm's social-impact model focuses on local job training, free credentials, and partnerships with education and workforce organizations. They told the board the project would place solar panels on retired landfill acreage in a way that preserves the landfill cap and creates construction-era jobs while offering some ongoing community benefits.
Student speakers from Locust Trace Agriscience Center described their roles as co-designers. Shelby Blair, a junior at Frederick Douglass High School, said students were invited as collaborators rather than interns and proposed district recognitions such as industry innovation seals, cords or medallions, and continuity scholarships to document and reward that work. Grady Salisbury, a Locust Trace sophomore, urged that the model be scaled so more students can gain transferable skills and career clarity.
Board members praised the student presentations and asked about expanding participation. Chair Murphy and other members discussed whether similar public-private partnerships could be replicated at district facilities, and whether FCPS could pursue on-site renewable projects to reduce operating costs.
The presenter said the company would continue to refine a community benefit plan with students pushing on issues such as stormwater, erosion, vegetation management and leachate control. No formal action or vote on the project took place at the meeting; presenters invited further engagement with students and staff.
The district will receive follow-up materials and the presenters encouraged continued student involvement as planning moves forward.
Amy Samples, identified in the presentation as chief operating officer, and Brad Clark, vice president of social impact, said the firm's social-impact model focuses on local job training, free credentials, and partnerships with education and workforce organizations. They told the board the project would place solar panels on retired landfill acreage in a way that preserves the landfill cap and creates construction-era jobs while offering some ongoing community benefits.
Student speakers from Locust Trace Agriscience Center described their roles as co-designers. Shelby Blair, a junior at Frederick Douglass High School, said students were invited as collaborators rather than interns and proposed district recognitions such as industry innovation seals, cords or medallions, and continuity scholarships to document and reward that work. Grady Salisbury, a Locust Trace sophomore, urged that the model be scaled so more students can gain transferable skills and career clarity.
Board members praised the student presentations and asked about expanding participation. Chair Murphy and other members discussed whether similar public-private partnerships could be replicated at district facilities, and whether FCPS could pursue on-site renewable projects to reduce operating costs.
The presenter said the company would continue to refine a community benefit plan with students pushing on issues such as stormwater, erosion, vegetation management and leachate control. No formal action or vote on the project took place at the meeting; presenters invited further engagement with students and staff.
The district will receive follow-up materials and the presenters encouraged continued student involvement as planning moves forward.
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