Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent withdraws from Missouri job search, plans to stay with the district
By Stan Ingold
April 2, 2026 at 10:49 AM EDT
The Fayette County Public Schools superintendent will remain in place for a while longer.
Demetrus Liggins was a finalist for a similar job 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.
However, according to a spokesperson with Fayette County Public Schools, Liggins has withdrawn his name from the hiring process.
In a statement, district spokesperson Miranda Scully says Liggins has received support and encouragement from community leaders. She says Dr. Liggins and the leadership team are fully committed to the progress of Fayette County Schools.
Liggins has faced criticism from state lawmakers and parents about the way the district managed the budget. Last year, FCPS had a $ 16 million shortfall and a shrinking contingency fund. That has since been resolved.
Two different law firms conducted investigations into the handling of the district's budget. Both reports say there was no intentional misconduct.
Demetrus Liggins was a finalist for a similar job 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.
However, according to a spokesperson with Fayette County Public Schools, Liggins has withdrawn his name from the hiring process.
In a statement, district spokesperson Miranda Scully says Liggins has received support and encouragement from community leaders. She says Dr. Liggins and the leadership team are fully committed to the progress of Fayette County Schools.
Liggins has faced criticism from state lawmakers and parents about the way the district managed the budget. Last year, FCPS had a $ 16 million shortfall and a shrinking contingency fund. That has since been resolved.
Two different law firms conducted investigations into the handling of the district's budget. Both reports say there was no intentional misconduct.