Every FCPS district office department impacted by cuts, superintendent says

At Fayette County Public Schools, “every district office department has been impacted” in the aftermath of revelations that finances have been misstated for years, Superintendent Demetrus Liggins told employees in a message Tuesday.

Layoffs and reduced hours have been reported in FCPS after Liggins announced the district faces significant financial issues because of problems with the district’s accounting practices dating back to 2008. Liggins and interim Chief Financial Officer Kyna Koch said the issues have caused FCPS to have significantly less money than previously thought.

“Every district office department has been impacted. Reductions and calendar changes have occurred across multiple employee groups and at every level of district support, including senior leadership, midlevel leadership, specialists, assistants, and other professional and support staff,” Liggins said in a letter to employees in the district, obtained by the Herald-Leader.

Liggins said it was an “extraordinarily difficult period for Fayette County Public Schools.”

“Please know these decisions were not made lightly. They are the result of extensive analysis, thoughtful deliberation, and difficult conversations. A reduction of this magnitude in Fayette County Public Schools is highly unusual and reflects the seriousness of the financial challenges we must address,” Liggins said.

Several people — the district won’t say how many — were laid off at FCPS’ Central Office last week after Liggins announced the financial issues last month. Liggins said in his letter Tuesday that exact numbers were being withheld to allow impacted staff the dignity and space in a difficult time.

Liggins has said the district hopes the layoffs and hours reductions will generate $1.9 million in savings for the district.

“I understand this announcement has created concern, uncertainty, and many understandable questions across our organization,” he said in his letter to employees.

In the letter, he reiterated that no classroom teacher or paraeducator positions have been reduced, and there are no reductions to those employee calendars.

“Staffing and personnel decisions of this nature are administrative decisions made under the authority of the Superintendent and district administration,” Liggins said. “The Board of Education is not involved in individual staffing determinations and has not directed these specific personnel actions.”

Liggins said the people impacted were notified last week.

“Behind every decision is a person, a family, and a livelihood. Those affected are far more than positions on an organizational chart,” Liggins said in the letter to employees. “They are valued colleagues, teammates, and professionals who have poured themselves into this district and into the service of our students. I recognize the deep personal and professional impact these decisions carry, and I do not take that pain lightly.”

Liggins said he was committed to supporting affected employees through this transition by providing resources, guidance, and individualized assistance in the days ahead. He also said he had worked closely with human resources and legal teams to ensure every action has been taken with integrity and in accordance with employee rights, contractual obligations, and district policy.

Liggins said he thought leadership should share the burden of the difficult financial decisions.

“For that reason, I will be taking a 10% reduction in my superintendent base pay, in addition to a five-day reduction in my contract,” Liggins said. “I share not to minimize the hardship faced by others, but because I believe leaders should not ask others to bear burdens they are unwilling to shoulder themselves.”

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.

Beginning Wednesday and continuing throughout the week, Liggins said he will provide broader district and community communication, including additional details and a comprehensive set of responses to address many questions that have arisen.

“I know this season is painful. I know these decisions affect morale, trust, and the sense of stability we all want for our school system,” Liggins said.

“But I remain committed to doing what is necessary to stabilize this district and position Fayette County Public Schools for a stronger, more sustainable future.”