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Despite saying on Monday that some of the Fayette County Public Schools’ claims regarding its financial problems are false, Rodney Jackson, the former executive director of financial accounting, budget, and benefits services, complimented the district in his retirement letter.
Jackson’s undated letter to district chief of staff Tracy Bruno, which said Jackson was retiring effective June 30, was released to the Herald-Leader this week under the Kentucky Open Records Act.
“I am writing to formally share my decision to retire effective June 30, 2026. This decision comes with a great deal of reflection and gratitude for the many experiences, relationships, and opportunities I have had throughout my service,” Jackson’s letter said.
“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to serve and it has been a pleasure to be of service to this organization and for experiences that I have received along the way. It has been an honor to contribute and work alongside so many dedicated individuals within the department and the multiple leadership administrations over the years,” Jackson wrote.
“Thank you for your leadership and for allowing me the opportunity to be part of this work. I will always value my time here and the services provided,” Jackson told Bruno in the retirement letter.
FCPS has not publicly pinned blame on Jackson or any other staff member as it has navigated budget problems in recent months.
Acting Chief Financial Officer Kyna Koch, hired this past spring to fix financial problems and Superintendent Demetrus Liggins, himself now on paid leave while his employment is reviewed, previously said finances have been materially misstated since 2008.
Jackson, a FCPS employee since 1999, said at a Monday news conference that claim was false and he indicated he would take legal action to clear his name. Jackson said no one in the district had asked him to resign or retire. And he said he was not to blame for the district’s financial problems.
Jackson’s attorney, Christopher Miller, did not immediately respond Wednesday to a question from the Herald-Leader about Jackson’s retirement letter.
A lawsuit relating to any of Jackson’s assertions had not been filed in Fayette County by Wednesday morning, but Jackson said Monday, “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, I will not debate these allegations in the media or try this case through headlines, social media, or public speculation.
“The appropriate place of these facts to be presented is through the legal process where the complete record documentation evidence can be reviewed fairly, objectively and in proper context,“ he said Monday.
An independent investigation commissioned by the school board and released in March by a Missouri law firm found that Jackson failed to meet expectations by not doing enough analysis and communicating the implications of financial issues. Jackson didn’t engage in intentional misconduct, but also didn’t fulfill “responsibilities as the head of FCPS’ Financial Accounting and Benefits department,” the investigative report said.
The district is trying to correct its books, which has led to the elimination of 120 positions, cuts to staff work days and a $95 million short-term loan to help the district’s cash flow. Koch has said the district is re-stating its finances for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal year. Most recently, district documents show FCPS has a $17.8 million deficit, although district officials expect the shortfall to shrink.
Acting Director of Finance Amy Smith told the board earlier this year that in 2025, the district overstated or overestimated its local tax collections by more than $8.5 million. In addition, there were several instances where money was deposited in the wrong accounts, Smith said. Koch has also said there were times when the district missed deadlines for grants.
“I look forward to the day when the complete facts, not allegations, not speculations, not headlines are presented in the proper form. Until then, I will allow the legal process to work and remain confident that the truth will ultimately prevail,” Jackson said Monday.
In response to the concerns Jackson has raised, Fayette district spokesperson Miranda Scully said Wednesday, ““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.”
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