Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has tendered his retirement notice after more than two months on paid leave.
That’s according to a news release from his attorney, Amos Jones, sent Friday afternoon. An FCPS spokesperson confirmed the board received his notice, effective Friday.
“Serving Fayette County Public Schools has been one of the capstone honors of my professional life. Since 2021, I have had the privilege of leading Kentucky’s second-largest school district and working with extraordinary students, families, teachers, administrators, staff, community partners, and public servants who care deeply about the future of Lexington and the Commonwealth,” a statement from Liggins provided with the news release reads.
The school board suspended the superintendent in June after months of financial turmoil and a report finding Liggins violated policy in overseeing the district’s finances.
Through his attorney, Liggins has repeatedly claimed the leave was in retaliation for whistleblowing the financial situation inside FCPS.
"The Board has received a retirement notice from Dr. Liggins," a statement from board chair Tyler Murphy reads. "Pursuant to KRS 161.780, the notice will be presented to the Board at our August 17th meeting. We have no additional information at this time. Our focus remains on wrapping up a successful start to the new school year for our students, staff, and families."
Liggins cited a move by credit rating agency Moody’s to downgrade the district this week as the “last straw.”
In the release, the former superintendent said he would continue to pursue complaints filed over the matter with the state.
“Given this runaway circus from the top, Moody’s was left to draw the unfavorable conclusions laid bare yesterday. And this is why I will continue to work though the ongoing process at the Kentucky Office of Educational Accountability Office, where I am blowing the whistle on fraud, waste, and abuse. Our Fayette County students, teachers, and taxpayers deserve better than this, and the truth is coming out," he said.
Students opened a new school year Wednesday under Acting Superintendent Bill Bradford.
