LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) board met Monday evening to discuss vaccine incentives for vaccinated FCPS employees and solutions for the bus driver shortage. 


What You Need To Know

  • FCPS employees will receive $200 if they are fully vaccinated before Dec. 1, 2021

  • The FCPS board voted in favor of the vaccine program 5-0

  • FCPS is working on financial solutions to address the bus driver shortage

  • Myron Thompson said during the meeting they estimate around $150,000 of extra money for drivers and monitors paychecks

The school board and community members discussed different issues within the district. One of the items up for discussion was a new vaccine incentive for employees. 

“We know that the vaccine is safe and effective and it's one of our most critical tools at mitigating and reducing the spread of the virus, so we hope that this is some positive encouragement for staff and employees to get vaccinated,” said Tyler Murphy, chair of the board. 

Murphy said with the new program, FCPS employees would receive $200 if they are fully vaccinated before Dec. 1, 2021. The board voted 5-0 in favor of the program. 

“Our board has been committed to prioritizing the health, safety and well being of our staff, students and employees, so that's guided us from the beginning. So we're committed to continuing that and seeing this through to the end and again doing what we can to keep our staff, our students and our families safe,” Murphy said. 

Along with the vaccine incentive, the school board discussed monthly financial support and the bus driver shortage. Myron Thompson, the chief operating officer, spoke about financial solutions that could help with the problem.

“Needless to say that this has, without question, been the most challenging year in the department's history. And so, just kudos to them for all their hard work since we've been back in school, and to our families for their patience when tasked with this,” Thompson said.

Thompson believes the amount needed for the department is $150,000 divided up in different amounts of stipends depending on the employee's responsibilities. 

Murphy said he understands how hard the bus drivers have been working throughout the district and is hopeful for a positive change within the next couple of weeks. 

“I appreciate the work that staff has done to bring us a proposal to help address this shortage that has put a significant strain on our schools and our students and when our families. We hope that this is another step in the right direction and we look forward to seeing how it pans out in the coming weeks,” Murphy said.