Did FCPS superintendent resign or not? See email exchange between Liggins, school board

An email exchange between top Fayette County Public Schools leaders sheds new light on the confusion surrounding the future of the district’s superintendent.

Superintendent Demetrus Liggins told school board chair Tyler Murphy in a June 9 email that “it is time for me to step away from my role as Superintendent and pursue a separation agreement with the Board.”

In the email, Liggins said he wanted to work on a separation agreement with the Fayette County Board of Education. Murphy answered Liggins and said the board of education would meet Wednesday evening to address Liggins’ “resignation notice.”

More than 12 hours later, after the school board notified the public and media that it was holding a meeting to address Liggins’ resignation, Liggins replied to Murphy to say he was not resigning, and he wanted to withdraw his request for a separation agreement. He also wanted the school board to cancel its special meeting, which the board has declined to do, FCPS officials say.

Liggins said Murphy had “mischaracterized” the initial email.

“My email was not a resignation, did not constitute a resignation, and should not be interpreted as a resignation,” Liggins said. “At no point did I submit a resignation from my position as Superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools.

“The email simply requested that the Board consider entering into discussions regarding a potential separation agreement. Any resignation would have been contingent upon the successful negotiation and mutual approval of such an agreement. No such agreement has been discussed, negotiated, or approved. Therefore, no resignation has occurred.”

The emails were provided to the Herald-Leader by FCPS officials Wednesday. A special school board meeting began as scheduled at 7:30 p.m., without Liggins in attendance. The board quickly went into a closed session.

Miranda Scully, spokesperson for FCPS, said the board was discussing matters related to Liggins’ email and it’s “not unusual” for the superintendent to be absent during such discussions.

A couple dozen people were at Wednesday’s special-called school board meeting including several members of KY United 120 AFT, a teacher’s union whose members have been critical of Liggins.

As the school board members left the meeting room to go into closed session, an audience member called out, “Do the Right Thing.” Retired FCPS teacher Mark Russell carried a sign that said, ”No Pay Out for Dr. Liggins.”

Tuesday evening, the school board said in a statement it had received a resignation notice from Liggins. Hours later, Liggins released a public statement saying he had not resigned. The confusion extended into Wednesday.

Liggins’ tenure at the district has been marred by controversy, largely due to the district’s shaky financial footing. The district proposed an increase in the occupational tax in May 2025, which was quickly aborted after widespread pushback. In April, the district announced its books had been misstated for nearly two decades, prompting cuts to positions and staff work days.

At the same time, teachers’ groups and community leaders have called for more transparency about the district’s finances and some have called for Liggins to step down in recent months.

Why Liggins said he was prepared to step down

“This is not a decision I have made lightly. In truth, it is one I have resisted for quite some time because of my deep love for this district, our students, our staff, and the community we serve,” Liggins said.

“Over the past several months, the increasingly divisive environment surrounding the district and the constant focus on controversy rather than progress have taken a significant personal and professional toll on me,” Liggins said, apparently referring to the yearlong revelation of financial problems.

Liggins said despite FCPS student accomplishments, the public conversation had remained “centered on conflict, criticism, and distraction.”

“I have done my best to remain focused on the work, to lead with integrity, and to keep students at the center of every decision,” Liggins said.

In the Tuesday email, he said FCPS is stronger today than when he arrived in 2021.

“However, after much soul-searching, I have come to realize that remaining in this role under the current circumstances has become unsustainable for me personally and for my family. I also no longer believe it is the best path forward for the district,” Liggins said. “At some point, leadership requires recognizing when it is time to turn the page, and I have reached that point.”

Liggins sought another year of continued compensation

In his email requesting a seapration agreement, which he has since attempted to withdraw, Liggins said he intended to start using personal and vacation leave on Wednesday, extending through the rest of June. That would leave him with three years on his current contract.

Recognizing that he would be voluntarily foregoing the final three years of his contract, Liggins asked for one year of continued compensation and benefits consistent with the provisions of his contract, covering the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

“My hope is that we can approach this in a manner that is respectful, professional, and beneficial to all parties involved,” Liggins said. “I am not seeking conflict. Rather, I am seeking closure and a path forward that allows the district, the Board, and me personally to move forward with clarity and peace.”

He asked for consideration of the request at board members’ earliest convenience.

Liggins said that the decision was not easy.

“Leaving this role and this community is heartbreaking in many ways. At the same time, I know in my heart that it is the right decision. Bringing this chapter to a close would provide a sense of peace and closure that I greatly need,” Liggins said.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 6:23 PM.