Ann Sampson-Grimes says she was placed on leave in retaliation for reporting mismanagement of the district’s budget to officials.
“This reason has not since been expanded upon in the time Plaintiff (Sampson-Grimes) has been on leave, nor has Plaintiff received a legitimate reason for her leave aside from the vague accusation posited in the letter,” a legal filing with Fayette Circuit Court reads.
The filing alleges Sampson-Grimes was ignored and discriminated against after advising officials that budget cuts were necessary. That includes claims against Superintendent Demetrus Liggins, the school district and school board.
FCPS is currently navigating how to deal with a $16 million budget shortfall.
“My client has pointed out and essentially been telling them since February 24 of their management issues, their waste issues, all things that basically are that she was afforded that right to report under the Kentucky Whistleblower Act that they just refused to acknowledge,” Sampson-Grimes’ attorney Brandon Voelker said.
Sampson-Grimes wants to be reinstated, compensatory and punitive damages, and protection from further harassment as part of the lawsuit.
The school board recently announced it would look into approving an independent investigation to review the district’s budget processes.
State auditor Allison Ball also began an audit of the district’s budget earlier this summer. Superintendent Liggins says FCPS is also handling its own internal investigation.
FCPS has not yet responded to a request for comment from WEKU.
