FCPS superintendent, board member say he was not asked to leave district

After confirming he is a finalist for the top job in a Missouri school district, Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins told the Herald-Leader Saturday he has not been asked to leave Fayette County Public Schools amid the fallout from budget issues last year.

“Absolutely not. Quite the opposite,” Liggins told the Herald-Leader in an email one day after Hazelwood School District announced him as a finalist for their superintendent job. Liggins is one of three finalists for the role in Florissant, Missouri.

Fayette County Board of Education member Penny Christian echoed Liggins’ comments.

“We have not asked him to leave,” Christian said in a text Saturday. “Dr. Liggins is in demand, and superintendents are always casting nets. I am understanding more every day why the national average for a Superintendent to stay in a district is less than 5 years.”

Fayette County Board of Education Chair Tyler Murphy issued a statement Saturday saying it would respect Liggins’ “privacy as he weighs what is best for his family and his career, while supporting the work happening here for students.”

“The Board remains appreciative of Dr. Liggins’ leadership of Fayette County Public Schools, which continues to be defined by success in the classroom and improved student achievement,” Murphy said in the statement.

Murphy said the board remained focus on “our collective work of improving student outcomes by maintaining the upward trajectory of this district and ensuring that the progress we are making continues.”

Murphy, as the result of the budget problems, is the subject of current removal efforts by members of the Kentucky General Assembly. Murphy is fighting a removal petition being considered by the state House Impeachment Committee, but he also could be made ineligible for his position thanks to proposed legislation that adds new restrictions to school board eligibility.

Murphy has said the removal petition is unconstitutional.

Significant budget issues for the district last year caused Liggins to order an investigation from an independent law firm, which revealed oversight issues from Liggins’ direct reports. In another investigation, conducted by a separate law firm, Liggins also was found to not have looked closely enough at FCPS’ budget issues and to not have effective enough management in place to avoid the problems.

Liggins has acknowledged issues but says he has taken measures to better manage the budget, and says FCPS’ financial situation has improved.

On Friday officials in the Hazelwood School District in Missouri said in a news release that Liggins, who has been superintendent in Fayette County Public Schools since 2021, was a finalist for Superintendent of Hazelwood.

The candidate who Hazelwood selects is expected to begin the role July 1, 2026, according to Hazelwood School District.

“I am honored to be named a finalist for this position, a recognition that reflects the meaningful progress our entire team has made together at Fayette County Public Schools,” Liggins said in a statement about Friday’s announcement. “When a district is doing strong, impactful work, it is not uncommon for its leaders to be recruited by other communities, and I see this opportunity as a reflection of the collective success of our students, staff, and community.”

Liggins said his primary focus currently is still on FCPS, and the district has “important work underway to improve student outcomes and continue strengthening our district.”

“I believe great leaders should remain open to opportunities to grow and serve where they can make the greatest difference, and I am approaching this process thoughtfully and with care,” he said.

This story was originally published March 21, 2026 at 5:18 PM.