FCPS Board places Demetrus Liggins on administrative leave, appoints interim superintendent
Update: June 10 at 10 p.m.
After a nearly three hour meeting Wednesday night, the Fayette County School Board moved unanimously to place Dr. Demetrus Liggins on paid administrative leave pending “review and resolution of information regarding the superintendent’s employment.”
FCPS Assistant Superintendent Dr. Bill Bradford was appointed as interim superintendent, effective immediately.
The board also moved to retain law firm VanAntwerp Attorneys to “conduct a review of information regarding the superintendent’s employment” and authorize the board chair to convey the administrative leave in writing.
“I will say for the record that the board is not entertaining any motions for a separation package and the board is united in our support for Dr. Bill Bradford,” Board Chair Tyler Murphy said. “We’re focused on ensuring stability for our students, staff and families, and ensuring that Fayette County Public Schools remains focused on its core mission of supporting student success.”
According to his LinkedIn, Bradford has served as assistant superintendent since July 2024, and worked as the district’s chief school leadership officer prior.
An alum of Transylvania University, Bradford received his doctorate in education from Northern Kentucky University.
“I am obviously very humbled to have the opportunity to serve as the acting superintendent for Fayette County Public Schools,” Bradford said after the meeting. “This is a very special school district to me. This is where I began my career as a teacher in these classrooms. And so it is extremely important to me that we are focused on our students, that we are supporting our schools, and that we are really building on the foundation that Fayette County Public Schools has, which is spectacular.”
Bradford went on to say that his first steps includes meeting with board members individually “to isolate their interests and their goals to determine how (he) can activate plans.”
LEX News has reached out to Liggins for comment, but has not heard back.
Original Story:
In a statement to LEX News Tuesday, Demetrus Liggins said that he has not resigned and remains in the position of superintendent of Fayette County Schools.
“I have not resigned. I remain the Superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools,” Liggins said. “I have only requested that the Board engage in discussions regarding a potential separation agreement.”
According to Liggins, no resignation has been submitted, accepted or finalized.
In response, the district declined to comment on Liggins’ statement.
Fayette County Public Schools announced on Tuesday evening that Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins has resigned.
“Throughout this transition, the Board’s priority is maintaining stability across the district and ensuring students remain at the center of every decision,” FCPS said in a release. “Fayette County Public Schools remains focused on supporting student success and ensuring a smooth and stable transition for students, staff and families.”
A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the John D. Price Administration Building to address the resignation and discuss interim leadership. Liggins has served in the position since 2021.
