Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins is a finalist for a job opening in Missouri.
The Hazelwood School District, outside of St. Louis, named Liggins as one of the three finalists for its superintendent position in a press release.
He will be attending a public forum session along with the other finalists March 31.
Liggins’ tenure as Fayette County superintendent has been criticized by parents and state lawmakers for the district's handling of its budget. A now-resolved $16 million shortfall was found in the FCPS budget last year, along with a shrinking contingency fund.
An independent investigation by VanAntwerp Attorneys, an Ashland-based law firm, found Liggins did not keep the Fayette County School Board fully informed of the district’s financial situation and did not properly oversee the district’s finance and budget departments. The investigation also says he did not withhold that information intentionally.
Another law firm, the Missouri-based Tueth, Keeney, Cooper, Mohan and Jackstadt, found there was unauthorized use of the contingency fund and failures to identify and address the deficit by multiple district leaders. That report also says there was no intentional misconduct.
A statement from FCPS on behalf of Liggins says he sees the interest from Hazelwood School District as a “reflection of the collective success” of the district’s students, staff and community, and that his primary focus remains in Fayette County:
“I am honored to be named a finalist for this position, a recognition that reflects the meaningful progress our entire team has made together at Fayette County Public Schools. When a district is doing strong, impactful work, it is not uncommon for its leaders to be recruited by other communities, and I see this opportunity as a reflection of the collective success of our students, staff, and community.
I believe great leaders should remain open to opportunities to grow and serve where they can make the greatest difference, and I am approaching this process thoughtfully and with care.
At the same time, my primary focus remains on Fayette County Public Schools. We have important work underway to improve student outcomes and continue strengthening our district, and I remain fully committed to our students, our staff, and the continued success of every child we serve.”
Fayette County Board of Education chair Tyler Murphy also provided a statement:
“The Board remains appreciative of Dr. Liggins’ leadership of Fayette County Public Schools, which continues to be defined by success in the classroom and improved student achievement.
Deciding to explore a new opportunity is also a deeply personal decision for any leader. We will respect Dr. Liggins’ privacy as he weighs what is best for his family and his career, while supporting the work happening here for students.
Our focus as a Board remains on our collective work of improving student outcomes by maintaining the upward trajectory of this district and ensuring that the progress we are making continues.”
