Former Fayette County Public Schools executive director of financial accounting Rodney Jackson says he intends to take legal action, alleging he has been falsely blamed for the deep financial turmoil that has embroiled FCPS over the last year.
At a news conference Monday, Jackson announced unspecified plans to file suit, potentially against FCPS. Prior to his retirement in early July, Jackson had been on medical leave for at least part of his final months on the job.
"I will not allow false accusations to define my career, my character or my legacy," Jackson said. "I intend to use every legal avenue available to clear my name and hold those accountable and responsible for making and spreading these false allegations, because this matter is now the subject of legal proceedings."
Jackson said he was not able to address the accusations made against him during that leave as it could’ve been considered working. He additionally said his retirement was voluntary, and he was never “asked to resign, encouraged to retire, or threatened with termination.”
After a budget shortfall and missing contingency funds were discovered last year, the district has been the subject of numerous investigations into mismanagement, laid off staff and put Superintendent Demetrus Liggins on paid leave.
“The allegations and insinuations that have been made against me are absolutely false,” Jackson said. “Throughout my career, I have worked (to serve) this community with professionalism, integrity, accountability, and transparency.”
He did not specify who was making those allegations, and said he has documentation he believes will “tell a different story than what has been publicly alleged.”
“That evidence will be presented through the appropriate legal terms, channels, and not through a press conference,” he said.
Jackson told reporters he was not responsible for FCPS’ financial crisis and insisted claims of deep-seated mismanagement in the district for more than a decade were false.
“To suggest that material misstatements went unnoticed since 2008 is an insult to the governance of past great FCPS superintendents, such as Stu Silver, the late Tom Shelton, CPA, former board chair John Price, CPA, as well as great board members of the past who served this community,” Jackson said. “This also falsely calls into question the credibility of expertise of respected auditing firms.”
He did not provide additional details. His attorney, Christopher Miller of Arnold and Miller PLC, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In an emailed statement Monday afternoon, FCPS spokesperson Miranda Scully declined comment on pending litigation.
"Fayette County Public Schools and the Board of Education remain focused on preparing for a successful upcoming school year and ensuring our students, staff, and families have the stable, supportive environment they deserve. We will not comment on any matters regarding personnel issues or potential legal considerations."
