Report: FCPS superintendent says he will take pay cut amid district finance problems
Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins says he is taking a 10% pay cut to his base salary amid recent revelations of the district’s financial problems, according to a report from WKYT, the Herald-Leader’s news partner.
“I share that not because it lessens the hardship faced by those experiencing far greater employment impacts, nor to compare sacrifices” Liggins said, according to WKYT, “but because I believe leaders should never ask others to bear burdens they are unwilling to shoulder themselves.”
Several people — the district won’t say how many — were laid off at FCPS’ Central Office Tuesday after Liggins announced in April the district has had faulty accounting practices dating back to 2008 that are causing new budget strife. The severity of the problems has led interim Chief Financial Officer Kyna Koch to recommend that the district get a short-term loan to pay its expenses.
District officials did not immediately comment on the WKYT report.
Liggins’ total compensation was $381,767 in the 2024-2025 school year, including pension and benefits, district spokesperson Miranda Scully previously told the Herald-Leader.
Much criticism from lawmakers and citizens has been levied at Liggins for his handling of district finances since last year.
Reviews of FCPS budgeting have also found issues.
In February, an attorney hired by the Fayette County School Board to investigate Liggins’ role in tending to district finances found multiple policy violations by the superintendent.
The report found that Liggins failed to comply with two policy obligations, as well as board governance while the board was in a budget crisis.
Another review from an outside firm, focused on staff who reported to Liggins, found “systemic” problems with the way FCPS runs its finances.
The most recent revelations about FPCS’ finance issues resulted in employees in the finance department being put on leave pending an investigation, Liggins and Koch announced in April.