Earlier this year, FCPS released information on the $16 million budget deficit. This was followed by “Project Right Size, Bright Future,” the district’s plan for redirecting and reprioritizing the budget. As a part of this, a cut to the Stables’ contract with Central Kentucky Riding for Hope was proposed. The Stables is an FCPS alternative program that provides unique learning for students 8-12 who would benefit from a smaller, more specialized environment, and their curriculum integrates core subjects with project-based learning. The Stables has a contract with Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of children and adults through equine therapy and learning. Without this contract, the Stables would likely shut down entirely. Senior Katherine Sims and sophomore Mariah Jones provide perspective on the impact of the Stables.
“The Stables program is a necessity for kids who have significant disabilities or mental or emotional health issues,” Sims said, “Myself and my peers need what The Stables offers: smaller classrooms, emotional and mental support, and work with PATH certified instructors.”
PATH, or Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, certification guarantees a standard of professional care in all human-equine interactions and services.
This program supports a demographic of students often left behind in public education. The Stables opened in 2012 and the graduation rate for FCPS special needs students has significantly increased since then. According to the Special Education IDEA Report published by the Kentucky Department of Education, the graduation rate for these students has risen from 35.8% in 2015 to 85.93% as of 2021.
Sims also shared personal experiences on how The Stables has supported her learning. Before she began attending the Stables, Sims was not receiving the support she needed from her teachers and was a victim of bullying. Her grades and mental health often suffered as a result of this.
“At the Stables, I’ve had all A’s and B’s my freshman year going on to my senior year,” Sims said, “If there is ever a problem I have going on at school, I have supporting staff by my side.” Sims named many staff members that she can count on to be there for her, such as Program Director Kevin Faris.
Jones brought up important concerns with how the budget is being managed. “To choose [to pay] for both audits, given that we are in the financial state we are in, but not choosing to spend money on FCPS programs is insane,” Jones said, “[Particularly when] this program teaches some of the most vulnerable students in the district.”
The first Right Size Bright Future meeting regarding the Stables was on November 21, and there will be a meeting between Superintendent Dr. Liggins and Stables families on December 16. The final decision on the status of the program is up to the Board, with a date on this vote to be released.
