LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Fayette County Public Schools board members are requesting an extension to a nearly 50-year-long partnership with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.
On November 27, FCPS announced that its contract with the health department had ended, changing the employment of school nurses in all Fayette County Public Schools for the following year. FCPS said it had chosen Maxim Healthcare Services as its new partner for the 2024-2025 school year.
After Monday’s school board meeting, LEX 18 talked with FCPS board chair Tyler Murphy, who shared support for the longtime contract with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department and the board’s plans to continue the relationship.
“Anyone who's had an interaction with one of these nurses knows why this is our decision, and the stories I've heard are so personal and they speak to the vital impact of these individuals. They are part of the educators who make a difference in the lives of our children every day,” said Murphy.
According to the board chair, after decades of employing school nurses through the health department, the partnership is nearing the end of its most recent five-year contract.
By protocol, an FCPS committee of staff and community members came together to look at bids from other companies. Maxim Healthcare Services reportedly bid nearly $1.5 million lower for services than the health department.
Despite the committee’s recommendation to move forward with Maxim, Murphy said the board will negotiate with the health department to extend its contract for another year.
“There was a recommendation to go with another provider, but on these matters, it's the board's decision and there's no requirement that we go with the lowest bidder,” said Murphy.
Kevin Hall, communications officer with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, issued a statement Tuesday, saying, “The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is honored for the opportunity to continue providing school health services to Fayette County Public Schools for another year. It maintains a long-standing relationship with the school system, and we are pleased the school board has considered how well our team has served the public for almost 50 years. Working with the students, parents and staff is a major part of our daily mission of helping Lexington be well.”
Murphy also asked FCPS officials to conduct a long-term feasibility study to determine what the best plan for nursing care for the district would be. “There’s more work to be done given the significance of what our school nurses do each day,” said Murphy. “We can't just go into this without doing some homework.”
