A leading Kentucky superintendent will take the deputy role in Fayette schools

The superintendent of Frankfort Independent Schools is leaving that district to become the new Fayette County Public Schools Deputy Superintendent, Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said Tuesday.

Houston Barber “has an exceptional background in both student achievement and sound fiscal management,” Liggins said. District officials said Barber was a seasoned educational leader with a track record of success in both urban and suburban school settings.

The position of deputy superintendent is a new one for Fayette County Public Schools.

Liggins noted Barber’s commitment to equity, experience in educational policy development and ability to push innovative change.

“In this new role, Dr. Barber will support our organizational goals and champion the needs of our students, employees and families,” Liggins said. “Adding an educator of his caliber to our already strong leadership team will accelerate the great work happening in FCPS.”

As Deputy Superintendent, Barber will assist in the planning, operation, supervision and evaluation of FCPS education programs and services. Barber will assume the post July 1.

“I’m excited to partner with Dr. Liggins and his team to impact the entire community with a focus on student-centered approaches and innovative opportunities that will transform the lives of each and every child in FCPS,” Barber said in a statement.

Previous experience

Barber has more than 20 years of experience as an educator, having served as a high school science teacher in Oldham County and Jefferson County, assistant principal and principal in Jefferson County, and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Louisville, Bellarmine University and University of the Cumberlands, Fayette district officials said.

Barber serves as president of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents, co-chair for the Board of Managers for Kentucky’s Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute for School Principals, and teaches and mentors new superintendents with the Kentucky Association of School Administrators.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and teaching from Marquette University, a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration and a doctoral degree in educational leadership and organizational change from the University of Louisville. Barber and his wife, Darra, have four children.

In a message to families and staff in the Franklin Independent Schools district, Barber said Tuesday that he had worked in the Frankfort district for seven years.

Barber said he intended to remain in Frankfort Independent Schools until June 30, 2022 as the district begins a transition plan. That district had four schools and 879 students in 2020-2021, the Kentucky Department of Education school report card said.

“This is the single toughest decision my family and I have had to make in terms of next steps together with the focus on work and life,” said Barber. “We will remain in the Frankfort community and my kids will continue to attend school in Frankfort Independent Schools.”

This story was originally published April 5, 2022 at 3:45 PM.