5 Democratic state lawmakers say Lexington has lost confidence in FCPS leadership

Five Democratic state lawmakers from Lexington said Tuesday the community has lost confidence in the leadership of Fayette County Public Schools.

Rep. Adrielle Camuel, a Fayette County School employee, as well as Rep. Anne Gay Donworth, Rep. Chad Aull, Rep. Adam Moore and Minority Whip Rep. Lindsey Burke signed a joint statement outlining what they said was the public’s lack of faith, as well as calling for a forensic audit of the district.

“The school board meeting on Monday, September 22, 2025, made it clear the community no longer trusts the current administration. A controversial new tax proposal, conflicting financial reports, questionable spending, and use of eminent domain to take property from homeowners — all of these actions undermine the public trust. We want to be clear: Fayette County families and taxpayers deserve better,” the lawmakers said in a statement.

“FCPS leadership has lost the confidence of the community they are entrusted to serve,” the statement continued. “We call for an independent forensic audit which has been met with hesitancy from district administration. . We demand transparency from FCPS leadership, in both words and actions. So far, the efforts of the leaders have been inadequate.”

Fayette school board member Monica Mundy is also calling for a forensic audit that would dig into financial documents and more thoroughly answer questions than a typical audit.

The Democrats’ statement was the latest turn in a tumultuous year for the district. School officials have scrambled to erase a projected budget shortfall and address a dwindling contingency, or rainy day, fund, as taxpayers have questioned Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins and Board Chair Tyler Murphy.

But a sixth Lexington lawmaker, George Brown Jr., also a Democrat, on Tuesday rejected calls one day earlier from three Republican state legislators for Liggins and Murphy to resign, calling it “political theater.”

“This week, we have seen public statements from some of my colleagues demanding leadership changes in Fayette County Public Schools,” Brown said. “While accountability is important, these calls are premature, politically convenient, and ultimately harmful to the very students and families we are all charged to serve.”

Rep. Matt Lockett, R-Nicholasville, Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, and Sen. Donald Douglas R-Nicholasville, called for the resignations. McDaniel is chairman of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee. Douglas and Lockett both represent parts of Fayette County.

“Instead of schools defined by learning and achievement, the district has become a case study in dysfunction, controversy, and collapsing confidence. Parents, teachers, and taxpayers face a system where those entrusted with responsibility have squandered trust and undermined the very mission of public education,” Lockett said. “Instead of putting children first, the superintendent and board chair have allowed controversy to consume the district, eroding confidence at every level.”

Liggins responded Monday evening that he had “no time for bullies. My commitment is to Fayette County’s children, families, and educators, and I will keep showing up every day to deliver on the promise of a world-class education for every student.”

Murphy said Monday evening he would leave the politics to Frankfort and Washington.

In response to the lawmakers calling for a forensic audit, Murphy said Tuesday, “ During the special-called meeting on September 16, the Fayette County Board of Education voted unanimously to refer the matter of an external audit, review, or investigation to the Audit Committee for consideration and a report back. The Audit Committee is made up of members of our community who are professionals in finance, accounting, and auditing. The Board is committed to getting answers which could include a forensic audit.”

“We are committed to a thorough and fair process and any and all independent, external reviews that will equip us with the information we need to move forward to support our students and serve our community. We will respect the independence of those processes and avoid reaching any conclusions until they are complete,” he said.

The five Democratic lawmakers stopped short of calling for Liggins and Murphy’s resignations.

“We believe in public education and commend the academic successes of the students in Fayette County Public Schools,” the legislators said. “We thank the educators and front-line staff who make these achievements possible.

“When trust is broken, it is the responsibility of leaders to listen to the public, reflect on their concerns, and work toward a path that rebuilds confidence and helps our community move forward.”

Brown, in his rebuttal, said Liggins brought stability to the district when he arrived in 2021.

“Under his leadership, the district has seen growth in ACT scores, dual credit enrollment, and industry certifications,” Brown said. “Advanced coursework opportunities have expanded, curriculum has become more inclusive, and community partnerships have deepened to prepare students for college and careers. These are signs of steady progress in the face of challenges and deserve celebration.

“The superintendent has acknowledged where improvements are needed, rather than avoiding accountability. He has welcomed independent audits and investigations while taking corrective actions with transparency. To twist this humility into grounds for resignation ignores the broader context, distorts the facts, and ultimately undermines public trust.”

This story was originally published September 23, 2025 at 6:28 PM.