FCPS Superintendent concerned about possible shut down of Dept. of Education

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – During his first few weeks of his second term, President Donald Trump has signed many executive orders.

One of which is to dismantle the Department of Education.

Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Demetrus Liggins, says he has concerns if the department is cut. Especially for students with learning disabilities or special needs, as funding for additional resources comes from the federal government.

“So I would really hate to see that go away, because those are some really vulnerable students that are also deserving of a quality education which we’ve been able to provide with those funds,” said Dr. Liggins.

One worry if the department is shut down, the state will allow school vouchers, which would offer parents an alternative to public schools for their children.

However, Liggins says he is not concerned about that, as the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled vouchers unconstitutional.

Even with threat of federal funding being cut, Liggins is preparing for his next four years as the superintendent focusing on continuing the school system’s trajectory.

“But also want to have a very clear focus on ensuring that we continue to raise our graduation rates. And that students are not only graduating within four years, but that our students are having opportunities beyond those four years in order to go on and succeed in life.”

He adds they will have a big focus on early childhood.

“Ensuring that our families, who are our students first teachers, have an opportunity and understand how ,before we ever receive them in our classrooms, what they can do in order to make sure they’re prepared. ”

Seeing how the system has improved and ratings have gone up, Liggins says he is proud.

“So I’m very proud of our teachers, very proud of our kids and our staff, and just proud of what we’re doing as a district as a whole.”