FCPS’ Demetrus Liggins is a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year

Fayette County Public Schools’ Demetrus Liggins is among four finalists for 2026 National Superintendent of the Year.

The award, presented by the School Superintendents Association, recognizes exceptional superintendents for their outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing public education in their communities.

Liggins already won 2026 Superintendent of the Year in Kentucky.

The nomination comes as FCPS has faced significant financial issues this year, including a since-resolved projected budget shortfall and a dwindling contingency, or rainy day, fund.

The district has hired an outside firm to audit its finances, and Kentucky State Auditor Alison Ball is conducting a special examination of the district.

Other finalists for the national superintendent award are Roosevelt Nivens, of Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Texas; Heather Perry, of Gorham School Department in Maine; and Sonia Santelises, of Baltimore City Schools in Maryland.

“These extraordinary leaders embody the transformative power of public education,” said David R. Schuler, executive director of the School Superintendents Association. “Their visionary leadership uplifts students and demonstrates our continued commitment to providing every child with the opportunities, experiences, and education that prepares them for college, career, and real life in the real world. We are honored to celebrate their incredible success and accomplishments.”

Each of the finalists was nominated by their state association and honored with the award of State Superintendent of the Year.

“This national recognition affirms the kind of leadership our students, families, and communities need now more than ever,” Rhonda Caldwell, chief executive officer of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators said in a news release Monday.

Under Liggins’ leadership, Fayette County Public Schools has made progress toward closing the achievement gap and significant investments in employee recruitment and retention, the Kentucky Association of School Administrators news release said.

The nominees were measured against the following criteria:

• Leadership for Learning: Creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in their school system
• Communication: Strength in personal and organizational communication
• Professionalism: Constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team
• Community Involvement: Active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national, and international issues

The 2026 National Superintendent of the Year will be announced live during a national conference Feb. 12-14 in Nashville, Tenn.

A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the winner’s name to a student in the high school from which the superintendent graduated or the school now serving the same area.

This story was originally published December 15, 2025 at 3:41 PM.