Bradford, who stepped into the role last week, takes the helm as Kentucky’s second largest school district is embroiled in controversy after a budget shortfall last year and the revelation of nearly two decades of financial mismanagement. As part of a move to realign, the district cut 120 positions, and the Fayette County Board of Education put Superintendent Demetrus Liggins on paid leave June 10 following a resignation dispute. Bradford was appointed in his stead.
In an event for the media Tuesday, Bradford said he knows FCPS is facing pressure and wants to provide stability and continuity.
“Fiscal health absolutely resonates as a No. 1 priority, but I would attest that the second piece of the puzzle that is very important for me to provide essential leadership to, right now, is the culture of the organization,” Bradford said.
The new acting superintendent said he has not had any conversations with the school board about additional compensation for the role. According to the FCPS Employee Salaries database, Bradford currently makes just over $200,000 annually. Liggins’ salary is about $393,000.
The change in top administration comes amid ongoing audits and investigations into the district’s finances. But Bradford says FCPS officials are moving forward.
“We have an array of plans in place – strategic, comprehensive improvement, responses to diagnostic reviews – and what we have done is curated action plans to carry forward that work,” Bradford said. “One of the reasons why I can promote stability in my role right now is because we're nurturing each one of those endeavors. We're monitoring our progress, we're interrupting whenever we are not making progress, and we're continuing to iterate upon the strategies and activities that we have in place.”
Bradford spent nine years as a district-level administrator, two of those as assistant superintendent, and said he feels equipped to provide the leadership FCPS needs.
“It's extremely important to me that we refresh the sense of value that Fayette County Public Schools has for the community of Lexington and within Fayette County,” Bradford said. “This is a precious asset for our region. Our school system is exceptional. I understand that there have been distractions as of late that have caught attention that doesn't demonstrate exceptionality.”
In addition to finances, Bradford said he wants to address the school district’s culture. For him, this means focusing on relationships, increasing communication between leadership and staff, and keeping stakeholders and taxpayers informed.
The district’s new fiscal year begins July 1 with a balanced budget, in part due to staffing cuts estimated to save $11 million in fiscal year 2027.
“This is a significant opportunity for Fayette County Public Schools to carry forward, and one of my priorities is to make sure that we move forward in a strategic and intentional way,” Bradford said.
FCPS has more than 40,000 students across 40 elementary schools, 15 middle schools and nine high schools.
“I have my own family as students here in Fayette County Public Schools,” Bradford said. “The educational experience for them has to be just as good for every other, so I care very deeply that we are providing an exceptional educational experience for all students.”
