Fayette’s Demetrus Liggins named KY Superintendent of the Year
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- Demetrus Liggins named 2025 Kentucky Superintendent of the Year by KASA.
- Award honors leadership in learning, communication, and community impact.
- Liggins advances to compete for National Superintendent of the Year award.
Demetrus Liggins, superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools, has been chosen as Superintendent of the Year by the Kentucky Association of School Administrators.
He received the award during the group’s annual leadership institute in Louisville on Friday.
“Dr. Liggins exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, resilience and vision,” said KASA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rhonda Caldwell. “His life’s work reflects the heart of this year’s institute theme: Live Well, Lead Well and Serve Well.”
The individual chosen from Kentucky then goes on to compete for the National Superintendent of the Year award.
The Superintendent of the Year Award celebrates the outstanding contributions of Kentucky’s superintendents, recognizing their advocacy for public education, dedication to students, and long-term commitment to the future, a news release said.
Nominees were evaluated on four key criteria: Leadership for learning, communication, professionalism, and community involvement.
In Kentucky, a blue-ribbon panel conducts a rigorous multi-phase selection process to determine the recipient.
“Dr. Liggins has served as superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools since July 2021, leading Kentucky’s second-largest district with a student-first mindset and a clear commitment to equity, innovation and opportunity, “ a news release said.
A native of Longview, Texas, and a first-generation college student, Liggins has nearly three decades of education experience—including roles as teacher, principal, area superintendent and district leader, a news release said.
Prior to his move to Lexington, he led Greenville Independent School District in Texas, where he oversaw improvements in both academic outcomes and fiscal performance.
During his tenure there, he launched a citywide bilingual literacy campaign, opened a STEM academy and Early College High School, and built a partnership providing free college tuition for students from low-income families.
In 2020 while at Greenville Independent, he was recognized nationally as a “Superintendent to Watch” and a mentor to rising education leaders across the country.
This story was originally published July 25, 2025 at 10:10 AM.