FCPS Board Chair Tyler Murphy Plans Reelection Bid Despite New Law

Murphy says he'll challenge the constitutionality of a new state law that bars him from serving as board chair.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:19pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty school board meeting room, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows casting across the chairs and table, conveying a sense of quiet determination and resolve.In the face of legislative challenges, a veteran school board chair remains steadfast in his commitment to public education.Lexington Today

In a one-on-one interview with LEX 18's Larry Smith, Fayette County Board of Education Chair Tyler Murphy discussed his plans to run for reelection this fall, despite a new state law that prohibits him from serving as board chair. Murphy, who also teaches in a neighboring county, said he will challenge the legality of Senate Bill 4, which he believes has "serious constitutional concerns." The board chair also addressed budget challenges facing the district and his commitment to advocating for public education.

Why it matters

This story highlights the ongoing tensions between state lawmakers and local school boards, as well as the challenges facing public education funding in Kentucky. Murphy's decision to run for reelection despite the new law could set up a legal battle over the limits on who can serve in school board leadership roles.

The details

Murphy, who has served on the Fayette County Board of Education for the past eight years, six of them as chair, said he plans to run for reelection in November. However, a new state law, Senate Bill 4, prohibits someone like Murphy, who lives in one county but teaches in another, from serving as board chair. Murphy said he believes the law has "serious constitutional concerns" and that there will be "avenues to address those." The board chair also discussed the district's budget challenges, noting that Kentucky public education has been consistently underfunded for the past 20 years, putting a strain on local taxpayers.

  • Murphy was first elected to the Fayette County Board of Education eight years ago.
  • Murphy has served as board chair for the past six years.
  • Murphy's current term expires in December 2026.
  • Murphy has filed to run for reelection in November 2026.

The players

Tyler Murphy

The current chair of the Fayette County Board of Education, who also teaches in Boyle County. He is planning to run for reelection despite a new state law that prohibits him from serving as board chair.

Dr. Demetrus Liggins

The superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools, who Murphy says has brought stability to the district after a period of high turnover.

Andy Beshear

The governor of Kentucky, who vetoed Senate Bill 4 but was overridden by the state legislature.

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What they’re saying

“The governor mentioned this in his veto message, there are obviously serious constitutional concerns with this legislation and there are going to be avenues to address those.”

— Tyler Murphy, Fayette County Board of Education Chair

“It's also vital for me as an elected official who's entrusted with leadership by the people of Fayette County to defend their voice and their vote, and I will continue to do that. I take responsibility that the voters entrusted me with seriously.”

— Tyler Murphy, Fayette County Board of Education Chair

“We are now on almost 20 years of consistent underfunding of public education in Kentucky and I think that that has to be included in any conversation about public schools or the challenges facing public schools because we know that Fayette County is not alone.”

— Tyler Murphy, Fayette County Board of Education Chair

What’s next

Murphy plans to challenge the constitutionality of Senate Bill 4 in court, in order to defend his ability to run for reelection as Fayette County Board of Education chair.

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing tensions between state lawmakers and local school boards, as well as the challenges facing public education funding in Kentucky. Murphy's decision to run for reelection despite the new law could set up a legal battle over the limits on who can serve in school board leadership roles, underscoring the importance of educator voices in shaping education policy.