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The newly elected Fayette Co. School Board members discuss position goals

Harry November 7, 2024

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Many state and local results from election night included changes to the Fayette County Board of Education. Three seats were up for grabs and two of them were given to newcomers.

Kathleen ‘Penny’ Christian first filed for the District 3 Board of Education seat in 2023, but the position went to Jason Moore.

Still, as a proud product of public schools looking to re-engage locally, he filed to run again this year.

“It really is the heart of the community and I think we need to value that more,” Christian said.

Christian was first a PTA parent in Lexington, as his four daughters attend FCPS schools, and he currently chairs the National PTA’s Family Engagement Committee.

“Many of the issues that affect our babies here are affecting them nationally, in every state you can go to,” Christian said.

Christian came out on top in the three-seat race against Danny A. Everett and Isaac Sebourn.

Meanwhile, Monica Mundy challenged incumbent Marilyn Clark’s District 1 seat and won by a 4.4% margin.

(SEE FULL ELECTION RESULTS HERE)

The mother of two says she started looking for this position after working as an assistant professor in England. speaking against the decision Not adding a sixth grade program to Rise STEM Girls Academy.

“Running for school board was the next way I could put my money where my mouth was and try to be part of the solution,” Mundy said.

They won their board seats that same night and rose even higher, seeing as another push for school choice was clearly defeated.

“I grew up in Knott County, Kentucky; we had no private school options and so I did not support Amendment 2,” Mundy said.

As they look ahead to their roles, Christian and Mundy noted that financial responsibility, transparency and communication are just a few of the keys to a successful district.

“There is a trust issue with our school board right now,” Christian said. “Hopefully my presence and my voice will try to make up for some of that.”

They hope to achieve these goals while providing more equitable outcomes for all students and families in the district.

“I don’t take this job lightly at all. I’m so excited to get in there and get to work,” Mundy said.

The other race on the ballot came from the 5th District. Vice President Amy Green appeared to retain her seat with a comfortable 21-point margin over her rival, Betsy Rutherford.