Fayette equity council committee: We believe in Superintendent Demetrus Liggins

In response to an online petition written by a parent to not renew Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins contract, the school board’s Equity Council Committee is offering strong support for him.

Their message: Renew his contract and retain the superintendent.

The group wrote a column to the Herald-Leader that published on kentucky.com today that defends Liggins’ performance and said opposition was misinformed of his accomplishments.

“The Equity Council Committee stands in unwavering support of Dr. Liggins. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing equity and excellence within Fayette County Public Schools,” the group wrote.

“We urge the community to recognize and support his thoughtful leadership, ensuring that our collective focus remains on fostering an inclusive and high-achieving educational environment for all students. Do not be diverted and misled by those who seek to undermine and create divisiveness across our community.”

In addition, a new online petition written by parent DeMarcus Lewis supporting Liggins had 750 signatures by midday Wednesday.

A post on the teachers’ union Fayette County Education Association’s Facebook page said its Diversity and Equity Committee, along with its Board of Directors, supported Lewis’ petition.

The Fayette County Public Schools board is expected to vote on renewing Liggins contract Jan. 27. In 2021, the board approved a four-year contract with Liggins beginning July 26, 2021.

Liggins is the second-highest paid public school superintendent in the commonwealth, according to data collected by state education officials.

He 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 his salary after learning Liggins earned more in 2022.

The online petition posted last week by parent Rachel Buser, which had more than 1,100 signatures Wednesday, demands the school board not renew Liggins’ contract and says the district needs new leadership.

“His tenure at our school district has raised significant concerns about the utilization of public funds and the quality of education. There are many unresolved issues regarding budget allocation and resources deployment, exacerbating concerns among community members that our tax dollars are not being utilized efficiently or ethically, “ the petition says.

In its Herald-Leader column, the Equity Council Committee said Liggins’ financial stewardship is transparent and aligned with the district’s long-term goals.

The Financial Transparency Dashboard, available on the district website, underscores his commitment to accountability, the oped said. His leadership has been recognized through an exemplary performance evaluation by the Fayette County Board of Education, reflecting his effectiveness in steering the district toward academic excellence, it said.

“Under Dr. Liggins’ leadership, FCPS has achieved measurable progress toward its strategic goals,” the group wrote.

In its column, the group said Liggins “is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader, steering our district with a clear vision rooted in equity, academic excellence, and community collaboration.”

“It is concerning that current efforts to oust Dr. Liggins, a Black leader championing unity and belonging, may be perceived as a broader attack on equity efforts,” the group added. “Such meritless attacks risk undermining the progress made in creating inclusive educational environments and, as such, constitute an attack on our students.:

After a planning meeting of the Fayette County Public Schools Equity Council Committee Tuesday night when the column was discussed, chair Camisha Boyd-Powell confirmed to the Herald-Leader she was concerned about the racial undertones surrounding the petition to not renew Liggins’ contract.”

“As a Black superintendent, Dr. Liggins often faces a level of scrutiny and criticism that appears harsher than his non-Black peers, which cannot be separated from the systemic challenges and biases Black leaders frequently encounter,” she said.

“I did point out that racial dynamics cannot be ignored when assessing the intensity and nature of the criticisms directed at him.”

Boyd-Powell emphasized the position of the Equity Council Committee “is not that this situation is occurring solely because the Superintendent is a Black man. “

“Rather, it is happening, and he happens to be Black. Similar incidents took place during the tenure of former Superintendent Caulk, (the late Emmanuel Caulk) who was also Black, yet there seems to be little recollection of such occurrences happening to superintendents before these two, all of which were white,” she said.

“This pattern raises questions about the unique challenges faced by leaders of color in positions of power, particularly in education. It is critical to recognize that leadership should be evaluated on performance, impact and commitment to serving students and the community—not through the lens of bias or preconceived notions.”

His accomplishments and the district’s trajectory, she said, “speak volumes about his vision and effectiveness, regardless of his race.”

Boyd-Powell told the Herald-Leader, “It is our responsibility as a community to ensure that all leaders, including Superintendent Liggins, are afforded the respect and support they deserve to lead without undue scrutiny rooted in inequity and biases.”

“By addressing these issues directly, we demonstrate our commitment to fairness and accountability for the benefit of all students and families in FCPS,” she said,

Buser, the parent who crafted the online petition, said in response Tuesday night, “My concerns speak for themselves.”

Boyd-Powell confirmed that during the meeting, she also referred to “troubling rhetoric that had been circulating online, some of which has since been deleted. “

District spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith said Tuesday night that since the Fayette County Public Schools equity council is a committee of the school board, “We don’t comment on discussions that come from it, as it is considered board affairs. “

Last week in response to the petition against him, Liggins said, ““I am proud to let my record of historic achievement and transformational leadership in Fayette County Public Schools during my tenure as superintendent speak for itself. I do not engage in social media interactions or tactics that are unsupported by facts or data.”

In his petition in support of Liggins, Lewis said, “As a father of children in the FCPS district, I’d like to save the superintendent position that is currently held by Dr. Liggins.”

Lewis told the Herald-Leader, “I’m just a parent who sees the good Dr. Liggins has done.

“I’m not ready to cancel him out because of some bad weather and because some upset parents aren’t getting their way. So let’s volunteer and learn more about spending. Let’s learn more or help to find bad weather alternatives.

“It’s just not OK to bully or use the media or social media to tear down a persons reputation.”

This story was originally published January 22, 2025 at 12:00 PM.