LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — A Kentucky state lawmaker has filed a petition calling for the removal of the Fayette County School Board chair.
The House Clerk’s Office received the petition on Friday, Jan. 30. The filing seeks the removal of Fayette County School Board Chair Tyler Murphy.
Rep. Matt Lockett, R-Nicholasville, claims Murphy breached public trust and failed to provide proper oversight of the district’s finances, citing new evidence related to Fayette County Public Schools’ awareness of a budget shortfall.
“When taken together, the result is clear: Tyler Murphy must be removed from office. I respectfully request the House of Representatives begin proceedings to do so,” Lockett wrote in the petition.
Murphy responded by calling the petition baseless and politically motivated.
“The petition that’s been filed in Frankfort calling for my removal lacks merit and is, sadly, the latest of recent politically motivated attacks,” Murphy said. “I am a career classroom educator elected by our local community to prioritize the needs of Fayette County’s students. Every decision I’ve made as a school board member has put students first.”
In a statement to FOX 56, a spokesperson for Fayette County Public Schools acknowledged the petition but voiced support for the school board.
“As we recognize National School Board Appreciation Month, we are reminded of the critical role our elected board members play in our community,” the statement said. “While FCPS is aware of the petition regarding the leadership of our Board of Education, we deeply appreciate our board members who serve in demanding and essential roles. Decisions about local education should be made by local leaders. Our board members are elected by our community, for our community.”
The controversy stems from an ongoing funding issue that dates back to the summer of 2025, when the district proposed a tax increase that brought renewed attention to its spending practices.
The FCPS spokesperson added that all board actions comply with state law and district governance policies.
“Every decision made by our Board and its leadership strictly follows state laws, board policies, and the Board Governance Manual, ensuring no single individual acts independently,” the statement said. “The Board Chair serves as a facilitator for the collective will of the full board and holds no authority beyond that granted by a majority vote, always reflecting the diverse voices of the community while acting in the best interest of our more than 40,000 students.”
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