Five key takeaways on the Fayette County superintendent’s salary

Fayette County Superintendent Compensation

Demetrus Liggins, superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools, total salary, pension, and benefits for the 2024-2025 school year was $381,767.

His pay is among the very highest among Kentucky superintendents, with only Jefferson County’s previous and current superintendents earning more.

Here is a recap of his compensation, what’s driving his annual increase and why Lexington residents and taxpayers didn’t publicly know about his salary bump.

Annual raise and automatic step-up increase

Liggins’ raise of $12,625 (up 3%) over the previous year is contractually mandated, reflecting both an annual percentage increase and a step-up for experience that is standard for eligible district employees.

Compensation transparency and public disclosure

Liggins’ raise did not require a school board vote and was not publicly announced due to the automatic nature of his contract’s terms.

In contrast, public attention on superintendent pay is rising due to overall budgetary pressures involving the Fayette County school district and concerns about transparency.

Total compensation of Jefferson County’s superintendent

Jefferson County, with twice the student population of Fayette County (97,000 vs. 41,000), has a new superintendent, Brian Yearwood, whose compensation package totals $389,000.

Yearwood’s predecessor, Marty Pollio, received $636,354 in his final year due to a $163,020 one-time sick day payout upon retirement—a policy available to all retiring employees.

Financial Deficit and State Audit Heighten Scrutiny

Fayette County faces a $16 million budget deficit, prompting proposals including an occupational tax increase, which was later withdrawn after pushback and the threat of a recall petition.

These issues have led to the formation of a district task force and a special examination by the state auditor scheduled for completion in 2026, increasing the focus on all forms of district spending.