FCPS Superintendent is one of highest paid in KY. Here’s why, according to school board
Fayette County Public School Superintendent Demetrus Liggins is one of the highest-paid public school superintendents in the state, according to data collected by state education officials.
Liggins made $369,142 during the 2023-2024 school year. That figure is Liggins’ total compensation — including pension and health care benefits.
Only one school superintendent in Kentucky makes more —Jefferson County School Superintendent Marty Pollio, who received a substantial raise in 2023 to $350,000 from $276,000 the prior year. Pollio’s benefits also include $30,000 toward his retirement plan and a monthly car stipend of $750.
According to Pollio’s 2023 contract, the school system decided to increase Pollio’s salary after learning Liggins earned more in 2022.
Jefferson County Public Schools is the largest school district in the state with twice the number of students — about 93,000 — as Fayette County, which had more than 40,000 students and 8,000 employees last school year.
Liggins’ base salary is $323,227, said FCPS board chairman Tyler Murphy.
Liggins oversees 42,000 students and more than 8,000 employees. Fayette County students continue to outperform students from other school districts, Murphy said.
“Under his leadership, our district continues to outperform the state average in student achievement,” Murphy said. “And although FCPS only educates 6% of Kentucky’s public school students, our students represent 25% of Kentucky’s highest achievers.”
Murphy said the average per-pupil superintendent salary in Kentucky is $95. Liggins’ base salary is less than $8 per student.
And, Murphy noted, chief executives in other industries make much more than public school superintendents, who often have more responsibilities and pressure.
“This discrepancy, a consequence of delegitimizing public education and undervaluing its impact, should help fuel conversations around how we can better prioritize public education,” Murphy said.
Murphy also said Liggins’ pay raises are “tied to adjustment in educator salaries, guaranteeing that his pay increases do not outpace those of a classroom teacher of similar experience and credentials.”
Fayette County Public Schools gave employees an average pay increase of 8% in 2023. The minimum increase was 4%. In 2022, the pay increase was 3%. Starting pay for teachers was also raised to $50,000 in 2023, believed to be the highest starting salary in the state.
But a representative of a teachers’ union said the school board needs to look at all staff salaries, not just those at the top.
“We’re never going to begrudge anybody for a salary that they have negotiated in good faith. This was a salary that the board of education here in Fayette (County) thought was, fair and appropriate,” said Nema Brewer, a founder of KY120 United-AFT, a union that represents educators, state employees and school staff members.
“But I do think that our board really needs to start taking a look at some of the higher-level salaries and positions in the district. We have paraeducators, and custodians, bus drivers in this district that are working two and three jobs, just to be able to live. I would hope that our community is paying attention. I would hope that the board is starting to pay more attention to these types of things.”
Liggins makes more then Ky Ed Commissioner, mayor
Liggins makes more than recently hired Kentucky Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher. Fletcher signed a four-year contract with an annual salary of $265,000, said KDE spokesperson Jennifer Ginn.
Liggins is also one of the highest-paid local officials. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton makes $178,802. Her salary is set by the city charter and city ordinances.
He also makes more than Gov. Andy Beshear, who makes $179,442, according to state records. Beshear’s salary is also set by state statute.
The Kentucky Department of Education has tracked superintendent salaries for most school districts since the 2001-2002 school year and has made the information publicly available on its website. That data collection is part of a state law, said Ginn, of the Kentucky Department of Education.
The average salary of Kentucky public school superintendents for the 2023-2024 school year was $152,388.
This story was originally published August 7, 2024 at 11:42 AM.
