LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Emmanuel (Manny) Caulk has died, according to an email from Fayette County School Board Chair Stephanie Spires.

It was announced last week that Dr. Caulk was taking a temporary medical leave to focus on his health.

"We are grateful for Manny's servant leadership and passion for our two moral imperatives — to accelerate achievement for students who have not yet reached proficiency and to challenge students already proficient to achieve global competency," Spires wrote in an email.

Dr. Marlene Helm, serving as acting FCPS Superintendent, sent an email to families Friday night sharing the news.

"Manny believed and worked tirelessly to ensure access and opportunity for all FCPS students, knowing that excellence was the penultimate goal," Helm said.

Spires said arrangements to honor Dr. Caulk's life are pending, but will be sent out to FCPS families when finalized.