Board chair says no agreement has been made between Liggins, FCPS regarding contract payout

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW via LEX NEWS) –

Update: July 10 at 10:30 p.m.

According to FCPS Board Chair Tyler Murphy, no separation agreement has been made surrounding Liggins’ contract and the district, as previously stated by Liggins’ attorney.

Any agreement between Liggins and the district would need to be voted on, and it’s unlikely such a meeting would take place before next week.

Update: July 10 at 10 p.m.

Fayette County Schools Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins has agreed to step down from his role and not seek reinstatement in exchange for the remaining “economic benefit of his contract” which runs through June 2029, a release from Liggins’ attorney said Friday.

According to the release, FCPS and Liggins have agreed to settle the dispute between the two parties and avoid further litigation, Attorney Amos Jones said.

“Here, the cleanest business resolution is obvious: If FCPS does not want Dr. Liggins restored, it is only reasonable that they pay the contract,” Jones said in the release. “We are encouraged that we were able to find common ground this afternoon, thanks to Chairman’s Murphy’s clarity and leadership.”

With the agreement, all charges and ligation, including Liggins’ pending Open Meetings appeal, would be withdrawn.

Although it’s not clear what other benefits or payments may be included in the agreement, Liggins’ base salary for next three years is an estimated $825,000.

Original Story:

The Fayette County School Board has rejected a payment demand from its suspended superintendent, Dr. Demetrus Liggins.

Liggins was placed on paid leave last month amid an ongoing investigation. His representative previously demanded he be reinstated.

Board Chair Tyler Murphy released a statement about the dispute to LEX News:

“The board has rejected proposals from Dr. Liggins that included a demand for payment exceeding the three remaining years of his current contract. Once again, we want to underscore that our focus remains on our students, ensuring stability throughout the district, and supporting our staff as they prepare for the successful start of a new school year,” Murphy said.