Fayette superintendent, finalist for Missouri job, withdraws his application

Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins, a finalist to become superintendent in a Missouri school district, has withdrawn his name from consideration for that job.

“Dr. Liggins has withdrawn his name and will not be moving forward in the interview process,” district spokesperson Miranda Scully said. “The support and encouragement he has received from our community leaders over the last few days have reaffirmed that his heart and work remain in Fayette County.“

“We have built incredible momentum in FCPS. Dr. Liggins and our leadership team are fully committed to the progress of Fayette County Public Schools, and we will continue to focus 100% of our energy on the success of our students and the important work ahead,” Scully said.

The Hazelwood School District outside St. Louis said last week they had chosen Liggins as one of three finalists.

Liggins appeared at a finalist candidate forum in Missouri Tuesday. The new superintendent will be chosen Wednesday.

Liggins told the Herald-Leader last week in answering questions about his potentially leaving FCPS to lead the Missouri school district that Fayette school board members had not asked him to leave.

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 problem.

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

Republican Kentucky lawmakers had earlier asked for his resignation. Democratic lawmakers said last year that people in Lexington had lost confidence in FCPS.

This story was originally published March 31, 2026 at 10:19 PM.