2025-2026 Leadership Lexington Education Day

Written by: Michael Adams Jr., FCPS External Partnerships Manager

​On February 12, 2026, the Leadership Lexington Class of 2025-2026 went behind the scenes of Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) for a day that was as enlightening as it was inspiring. For our class of leaders, this wasn't just a series of school visits; it was a deep dive into the complex, innovative systems shaping the future of our workforce and community. The experience provided attendees with a firsthand look at the dedication and resources required to move the needle on student success, and the creative solutions being implemented across the district.

Photos by Mahan Multimedia

"Fireside Chat" with the William Wells Brown Elementary team

​The day began with an immersive start at The Promise Academy at William Wells Brown Elementary. Participating in the "Morning Meeting" alongside students and staff allowed our class to feel the palpable energy and culture of care that defines the academy. During a "Fireside Chat," Principal Ebony Hutchinson, Assistant Principal Watez Phelps, and Liaison Melody Westerfield shared the strategic "why" behind their academic turnaround. For many attendees, this session was a powerful lesson in transformational leadership, demonstrating how high expectations, coupled with deep community engagement, can redefine the educational trajectory of a neighborhood.

​The journey continued to Frederick Douglass High School (FDHS), where the "wall-to-wall academy model" offered a glimpse into the evolution of secondary education. Welcomed by Principal Lester Diaz and guided by student ambassadors, the class explored the many career pathways offered at FDHS. Witnessing students operate in professional-grade environments was a highlight for many, illustrating the seamless bridge being built between high school and the Lexington business community.

​The visit to Carter G. Woodson Academy while at FDHS was equally impactful. We were fortunate to experience an auditorium rally where scholars were listening to and learning from community guest speakers. Hearing from Assistant Principal Tommy Johnson afterward about their mission to empower young men through a rigorous, culturally responsive curriculum provided a masterclass in specialized education. The passion of the faculty left attendees with a profound appreciation for the diverse ways FCPS meets the unique needs of every scholar.

Learning about the mission at Carter G. Woodson

​Next, we were transported to our last stop at The HILL (Hub for Innovative Learning and Leadership) for a delicious student-prepared lunch and an afternoon of engagement. Through "Education Exploration Rooms," the class engaged in candid, high-level discussions on the most pressing issues facing our schools today:

• Student Support Services: Dr. Cynae Adams, Raine Minichan, and Alex Garcia provided a sobering but vital look at the infrastructure of student support—including family resources, mental health, and school safety—emphasizing that a child must feel safe to learn.
• Family and Community Engagement (FACE): Sharon Mofield-Boswell and Lindsay Mattingly provided an interactive experience highlighting the importance of increasing the capacity of family engagement by removing the barriers that prevent participation in their children's education. Studies show higher academic success in households with high engagement.
• Non-Traditional School Models: Chief High School Leadership Officers James McMillin and Chris Salyers detailed the essential roles of alternative programs like the MLK Jr. Academy, showing how flexibility in education prevents students from falling through the cracks.
• Special Programs: Presentations on Rise STEM Academy for Girls, Maxwell Spanish Immersion Elementary School, Visual and Performing Arts for the Gifted and Talented, and SCAPA showcased the district’s commitment to fostering specific talents, from the arts to the sciences.

Students are hands-on in the HILL kitchen

​The day concluded with a final presentation concerning opportunities for engagement led by Leadership Lexington and FCPS’s own Michael Adams Jr., Cierra Spaulding, and Carrie Rogers. This closing session was essentially a call to action to partner with FCPS, ensuring that we are all doing our part in supporting local, world-class education.

Michael Adams sharing his FCPS insights

In support of Black History Month, the class gathered at a Black-owned private club, The Melroy, for a social hour to recap the day. The sentiment was unanimous: the experience was invaluable.

​For the Leadership Lexington participants, Education Day was more than a tour; it was an awakening to the scale of talent and the depth of challenge within our public schools. Attendees left not just better informed, but better equipped to serve as advocates and partners for the next generation of Lexington’s leaders. We walked away with a renewed sense of pride in our district and a clear understanding that the strength of our city is inextricably linked to the success of our classrooms.