Liggins named finalist for National Superintendent of the Year

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins is getting national attention. He’s been named one of four finalists for the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year, an honor from the School Superintendents Association (AASA) recognizing standout leadership in public education.

Liggins, who has led FCPS since 2021, is now in the running for one of the top awards in the profession. According to a release, AASA selects finalists based on broad leadership qualities—from how superintendents support student learning, to how they communicate with families, to how they serve their communities and navigate big challenges.

This year’s four finalists come from across the country, representing school districts in Texas, Maine, Maryland and now Kentucky. Each was previously chosen as their state’s Superintendent of the Year before advancing to the national level.

AASA leaders say the finalists reflect what strong school leadership looks like today—guiding districts through complex needs, keeping students at the center of decision-making and shaping school environments where all kids can succeed.

The finalists will be introduced during a national livestream on January 8, and the winner will be announced in February at AASA’s annual conference in Nashville. The award also includes a college scholarship given in the winner’s name to a student in the community where the superintendent graduated.