FCPS superintendent in December: There’s no ‘reason for concern’ over budget

In a December 2024 email, Fayette County Public Schools board member Amanda Ferguson asked Superintendent Demetrus Liggins why all departments had been told their budgets were being reduced by 10% and that some funds already had been slashed.

Why weren’t school board members, Liggins’ bosses, told first about the budget moves, she asked the superintendent. It was the first of a series of explosive emails between the superintendent and one of his bosses reviewed by the Herald-Leader.

They reveal, as Ferguson described, a district operating out of “fear and intimidation” instead of an “open and productive culture.”

Liggins responded to Ferguson’s original email that same day, Dec. 2, 2024. He said there were no cuts, the budget was healthy and there was no reason for concern, according to emails Ferguson provided.

Moreover, Liggins told Ferguson it wasn’t practical for him to communicate all of his decisions to board members. He also chastised her for talking to his administrative staff.

The emails expose the first cracks in the beleaguered district’s financial state. By May, a crisis was looming related to FCPS’ estimated $848 million budget.

Liggins had to tell school board members the new fiscal year budget beginning July 1, 2025, had a projected $16 million budget shortfall. By late summer, he informed them the contingency fund balance for emergencies had fallen below the 6% board policy calls for — from a projected $42 million to $26.3 million.

In an Aug. 27 letter to Liggins and school board chairman Tyler Murphy, an attorney for district budget director Anne Sampson-Grimes said she has been placed on leave, “suspended to ensure her information is not presented to the Board.”

Liggins did not respond immediately to a Herald-Leader interview request Saturday.

Ferguson has been questioning the budget for some time, emails show. On Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, Ferguson wrote to Liggins: “Can you please explain to me why all FCPS departments have been told that their budgets are being reduced by 10% as of today?

“Unless I missed something, this information was not shared with the full board. Why is that the case? It would seem that the body who oversees the district’s finances and passed a working budget just three months ago should be informed of such a major change and given an explanation as to why.”

The same day, Liggins replied, “Please know budgets are not being ‘cut.’ Instead, district-level department leads are being asked to review their budgets and identify potential reductions of up to 10%. This process allows us to explore options for future budgets and fiscal years with the aim of continuing strong campus support, considering salary increases, and maintaining essential programs.”

Liggins added: “It’s important to note that we currently have a very healthy budget and are in a strong financial position.

“Also, the current budget continues to align with our strategic plan and the priorities set by the board. While the board approves the budget and oversees spending, it is my responsibility as superintendent to manage the day-to-day budget operations and provide the board with well-informed options for consideration.

“This administrative exercise is simply a proactive step to ensure we remain laser-focused on advancing our strategic plan and priorities.”

On Dec. 5, 2024, Ferguson replied to Liggins, “That is certainly a different explanation than what was described to me by the people who had money taken from their budgets already. For the record, I find the whole process and the secrecy surrounding it very concerning. Again, clear communication matters.”

Liggins replied back: “There is no secrecy surrounding the budgeting process, nor is there any reason for concern. This is a routine part of our standard day-to-day budgeting procedures.

“As you may know, managing the district involves hundreds of decisions being made daily to ensure the efficient operation of our schools, programs and departments. It is neither my practice nor practical to communicate every one of these decisions to board members, as doing so would be both inefficient and an unreasonable expectation.”

He added: “Also, I must address your conversations with staff. While there is no issue with the budgeting process, what is actually concerning is that discussions about this or any district management matter are occurring directly with staff outside the appropriate channels.

“To prevent confusion, ensure compliance with the law and maintain accurate communication, I ask that you direct any staff members who reach out to you about district operations to speak with their immediate supervisor.

“As a board member, it is not appropriate to entertain these discussions.”

On Jan. 10, Ferguson replied in a terse email: “Ensure compliance with the law? Exactly what laws are you suggesting anyone is breaking?”

“When staff members reach out to board members with questions and concerns, it is because they are frustrated, have exhausted all ‘appropriate channels,’ and/or have no confidence or trust in you or your leadership team. It’s unfortunate that you don’t see that or simply don’t care. On and on we go ...”

Ferguson told the Herald-Leader Saturday her initial email to Liggins was sent in December 2024 because she was worried staff was asking about cuts only three months after the working budget had been approved.

“That served to confirm my original fears about the FY25 working budget (for the year ending June 30). My questions at the meeting where it was presented revealed my concerns that many of the expenses were not realistic and are why I voted against it,” Ferguson said. “It’s also concerning that board members weren’t told significant cuts were being made, and that Dr. Liggins said they weren’t cuts but only ‘potential reductions’ being identified. We now know there were cuts being made as that was the only way for the budget to be balanced.

“Finally, the implication that concerned staff, many of whom are FCPS parents and taxpaying members of the community, are somehow breaking the law by reaching out to an elected representative is troubling,” she continued. “My experiences tell me there does not seem to be an open and productive culture in FCPS where honest discussions can take place and staff questions can be addressed. It appears to be one of fear and intimidation instead.”

This story was originally published August 30, 2025 at 1:28 PM.