FCPS board accepts Liggins' retirement 5-0, locks in Bradford as interim superintendent

The Fayette County Public Schools board voted 5-0 Monday night to accept Dr. Demetrus Liggins' retirement, effective immediately — ending more than a year of budget battles and board conflict with little ceremony, but not without a room full of residents who wanted more than a clean exit.

With Liggins officially out, the board extended Dr. Bill Bradford's contract and formally transitioned him from acting to interim superintendent, according to WUKY. Board chair Tyler Murphy said the change brings stability the district needs heading into the school year.

I know that this has been a difficult time, a difficult past few months for our community, for our district. And we've been focusing again on working in partnership with Dr. Bradford, ensuring that we're prepared to start the school year. And I think on Wednesday, we saw that.— Tyler Murphy, Board Chair

Liggins, who had served as superintendent since June 2021, was placed on paid administrative leave in June of this year. He subsequently contested the decision and publicly attributed the district's budget troubles to the board. He delivered his retirement notice on Friday, just days before Monday's vote.

The board's acceptance of the retirement did not include any settlement, Murphy told reporters, according to WUKY.

Several public speakers used the meeting to push back on the idea that Liggins' departure resolves the district's deeper problems — and some called on board chair Murphy, vice chair Amy Green, and board member Penny Christian to resign, arguing any superintendent search should be left to their successors.

The last time I stood here, I presented the case against Dr. Liggins. He is gone. But removing the superintendent didn't close this case because the financial crisis is still here.— Unidentified public speaker

We've got people whose lives have been impacted significantly. Jobs cut, lots of jobs cut. But Liggins just gets to walk away.— Matthew Vied, public school advocate

Vied also raised concerns about who from within the district could credibly lead a permanent search, citing what he called a 'stain' from proximity to Liggins' tenure — while stopping short of ruling out internal candidates entirely.

There's a certain stain on the talent in this building because of the proximity to Liggins, and to that decision-making process. I'm not saying no one in this building is qualified for the job. I'm sure that there are... but the community needs to have a big piece of that process.— Matthew Vied, public school advocate

Questions about Liggins' conduct during his tenure are not fully resolved. Murphy acknowledged that a report — which includes allegations that Liggins slipped a manufactured legal threat under the door of a state lawmaker — has not yet been released, but said it will be made public soon and will 'speak for itself,' according to WUKY.

With a vacancy now officially declared, the board is required to seat a superintendent search committee within 30 days. Murphy framed the path ahead in terms of partnership with Bradford and rebuilding public confidence.

Our focus right now is working with the interim superintendent to move Fayette County forward, (taking) the steps that we need to take to restore public trust and confidence in our district.— Tyler Murphy, Board Chair

Why it matters — With Liggins gone and Bradford formally in place, Fayette County's school board now faces a 30-day clock to launch a superintendent search — and a community that is watching closely to see whether the leadership change translates into real accountability for the district's ongoing financial crisis.

Reported by fcps.net, wuky.org, wearegreenbay.com