Seven things you need to know about Fayette Superintendent Liggins’ new contract

With a huge crowd watching and emotional speeches from critics and supporters, Fayette County Public Schools Board renewed Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins’ contract Monday night for another four years.

“Dr. Liggins has come to us tonight asking for the renewal..of a contract that is the same terms as his previous contract, when he had every right to come to us and say let’s renegotiate this. Let’s redo this,” school board chairman Tyler Murphy said at Monday’s meeting.

“But he’s here asking us simply for a renewal of his previous contract because he’s made a commitment to this community and the children we serve each and every day.”

The contract renewed Monday night, first approved in 2021 when Liggins was hired, is seven pages and an addendum approved in April 2024 is another two pages.

The school district provided a copy to the Herald-Leader.

What time frame does the contract cover?

The contract runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029.

What does the contract say about his duties?

The superintendent is in charge of the administration of the schools under the direction of the school board. He oversees the staff and serves as secretary of the board. He oversees more than 42,000 students and 8,000 employees. The district had a working budget in 2024-2025 of $817 million.

What does the contract say about Liggins’ salary and other compensation?

His annual salary won’t be less than $275,000 per school year. Liggins’ salary can be increased at the discretion of the board.

Regardless of any merit salary increase, the superintendent will receive an increase each year in an amount equal to the greatest percentage pay boost given to certified classroom teachers in Fayette County with equal years of experience.

Although the amount is not mentioned in the contract, Murphy told the Herald-Leader in August 2024 that Liggins made $369,142 during the 2023-2024 school year.

That figure is Liggins’ total compensation — including pension and health care benefits, school board chair Murphy told the Herald-Leader in August 2024.

Liggins’ base salary in August 2024 was $323,227, Murphy said at the time.

The amount had not changed since August 2024, district spokesperson Dia Davidson Smith said Tuesday

Were the salary increases ever discussed publicly?

The entire compensation package was initially discussed, approved and executed in his contract dated June 21, 2021. The addendum was discussed, approved and added to Liggins initial contract on April 11, 2024, Davidson-Smith said.

What does the contract say about Liggins’ professional growth?

The board encourages professional development. It will permit Liggins a reasonable amount of time to attend professional development events and will pay for travel and other fees.

Does he get other perks?

He gets a $1,000 per month automobile allowance in lieu of reimbursement for mileage, and in lieu of the board leasing or purchasing an automobile for Liggins. The amount can be increased each year.

Liggins also gets a cellphone.

In April 2024. the school board approved the contract addendum, which included a wellness package and an executive coach costing up to $25,000 per year. The addendum gives Liggins up to 20 vacation days per fiscal year.

The wellness package says the superintendent shall submit to an annual physical examination of his choice, and the district will pay the portion not covered by Liggins’ health insurance in a maximum sum of $5,000.

Under the addendum, the superintendent can, but is not obligated to, obtain the services of an executive coach on such topics as leadership and problem solving not to exceed $25,000 per year. The executive coach will not be an employee of Fayette County Public Schools..

Can the school board terminate the contract?

Yes -- if it expires, by mutual agreement, if the superintendent retires or if the superintendent is fired for cause.

This story was originally published January 29, 2025 at 4:00 AM.