GOP State Representative calls on Fayette County school leaders to resign, citing lack of confidence

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Republican State Representative Matt Lockett is calling for Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins and Board Chair Tyler Murphy to step down, saying the district has “abandoned its purpose” of educating children.

Lockett, whose district includes part of Fayette County, issued the call Monday in a news release, saying he stands with parents, educators, and taxpayers who have lost confidence in the district’s leadership.

In the release, Lockett accused Liggins and Murphy of fostering dysfunction, controversy, and eroding trust in public education. He said their leadership has left parents “angry,” educators “frustrated,” and students “paying the price.”

Lockett specifically pointed to what he called mismanagement and misplaced priorities, including:

• Spending on administrative add-ons and travel

• An increased compensation package for the superintendent ($381,767), including $25,000 for an executive coach

• A $16 million budget shortfall and lawsuits over unpaid invoices

• Disputes over contingency funds

• Attempts to raise the occupational tax

• A lack of transparency in district operations, including an eminent domain dispute

“The leadership of Fayette County Public Schools has lost the trust of the people they serve, and they will not regain it,” Lockett said. “The time has come for Superintendent Liggins and Chairman Murphy to resign so new leadership can begin the hard work of restoring confidence and putting children back at the center of education.”

ABC 36 News Now has reached out to FCPS for a response. We will update this story when we receive a statement.