Liggins says he’s still superintendent, despite Fayette school board announcing ‘resignation notice’

Just hours after the Fayette County Board of Education announced it had received a “resignation notice” from Superintendent Demetrus Liggins, Liggins said he’s still the superintendent and has not resigned.

Fayette County Public Schools said in a statement Tuesday evening on behalf of the school board that Liggins had filed the resignation notice and that the board would meet Wednesday to discuss next steps for leadership. But a new statement from FCPS, provided on behalf of Liggins at about 10:30 p.m., suggested Liggins did not resign.

“I have not resigned,” Liggins said in the statement. “I remain the Superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools.

“I have only requested that the Board engage in discussions regarding a potential separation agreement. At this time, no resignation has been submitted, accepted, or finalized.”

FCPS’ earlier statement, which was on behalf of the school board, said the board “received a resignation notice from Superintendent Demetrus Liggins today.”

When asked why the board of education statement conflicted with Liggins’ statement, FCPS spokesperson Miranda Scully declined to comment.

The board of education has called a special meeting for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to address the situation and discuss interim district leadership, according to a notice published by the district Tuesday night announcing the meeting.

There have been calls for the superintendent’s resignation recently, amid the district’s ongoing budget woes.

Wednesday’s meeting will be held in Room 150 of the John D. Price Administration Building at 450 Park Place, the district said. Some board members may attend via video teleconference.

The agenda calls for a closed session to discuss the resignation notice, followed by any action.

School board member Penny Christian told the Herald-Leader Tuesday night that Liggins hadn’t submitted a resignation and said Liggins had worked in a difficult environment.

“While Dr. Liggins has not submitted his resignation, I think it is important to understand that no one can work under such spiteful, vicious and contentious conditions long term,” Christian said.

“For the past 5 years people have ignored the tremendous academic success of this District because they couldn’t control the outcomes or the man in charge. It is despicable that not once have we put our students first. They should be ashamed. Should he leave, be prepared for at least one year of regression as we yet again rebuild,” said Christian.

Prior to the new statement from Liggins, disputing the resignation, Scully provided more information about the district’s priorities in the near future.

“Throughout this transition, the Board’s priority is maintaining stability across the district and ensuring students remain at the center of every decision,” Scully said in a statement. “Fayette County Public Schools remains focused on supporting student success and ensuring a smooth and stable transition for students, staff and families.”

School board chair Tyler Murphy, who has also been under fire for the financial problems, told the Herald-Leader Tuesday night, “We should be in a position to share more tomorrow after the meeting.”

Murphy did not immediately say whether school board members asked for Liggins’ resignation.

Kathy Schiflett, one of Murphy’s opponent in the November general election for the second district school board seat on Tuesday night called attention to the conflicting statements from Liggins and school leaders.

“With the conflicting reports of Dr. Demetrius Liggins’ resignation as FCPS Superintendent, it is time to move forward and implement the needed budgetary and operational changes so this never happens again,” Schiflett said. “The uncertainty and chaos of current leadership has failed to meet our community’s expectations for financial oversight, transparency, and accountability. Our students, teachers, and families deserve the straightforward answers and the full truth.”

“We will get through this together as a community, and our focus must remain on supporting our students, staff and families as we move forward,” said board member Monica Mundy on Facebook.

Board members Amy Green and Amanda Ferguson did not immediately comment.

Nema Brewer, a co-founder of AFT KY 120 United, said Tuesday night, “We wish Dr. Liggins the best in the future and look forward to working with the Board and our community on choosing his replacement. When rank and file has a voice and seat at the table, real change happens.”

At a board meeting late last month, at least 11 people who spoke called for Liggins to be fired or resign.

The district has been in the midst of financial strain, as it recently became known that the district had been misstating its financial position for years.

In fiscal year 2025, the district overestimated property, motor vehicle and occupational taxes by more than $8 million, Chief Interim Financial Officer Kyna Koch told the board late last month.

The district has laid off employees and eliminated positions, sought a short-term loan and is planning to tap into its rainy day fund to meet financial obligations for the 25-26 school year.

Liggins was hired as superintendent in 2021, after an extensive search to find a replacement for Superintendent Manny Caulk, who died in December 2020.

He came to Lexington from the Greenville Independent School District outside Dallas, Texas.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 7:51 PM.