LEXINGTON, Ky. — As the search for the next Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) superintendent continues, on Wednesday night, the final five candidates had an opportunity to meet parents and members of the community. 

Tyler Murphy, the Fayette County Board of Education chair, said the community has had a part in the search for a new superintendent since the very beginning. With forums, emails and surveys, Fayette County residents were able to give their thoughts on each candidate.

“We may be the second largest district in Kentucky, but I think we're number one in community engagement, and that's something that I think will be a great asset to the new candidates, whoever may be selected, because they will be a community leader and they will have a community that is ready to engage them,” Murphy said.

Wednesday night, the five remaining candidates were able to meet members within the Fayette County area to discuss what their expectations are for the next superintendent.

Residents, families, staff and students joined the candidates at the meet and greet event at Frederick Douglass High School.

Joseph Edmond, a senior, said this whole search process has really allowed students to get their voices heard.

“I really think they're doing a great job with letting everyone get involved as opposed to keeping it like a meeting like they normally do. It's a really great idea of like letting everybody be included,” Edmond said.

Edmond was one of the students who were able to interview the candidates early on in the process, looking for a superintendent who will make a change for the better.

“Someone who can, like, really relate to the students, and someone who's really important in making sure that the students are involved and really looking for change for students, as opposed to for educational system as a whole before students,” Edmond said.

Murphy says they hope to have a final decision by next Thursday.