FCPS superintendent wanted more than 3 years of pay to settle dispute, board says

The Fayette County Board of Education has rejected proposals from suspended Superintendent Demetrus Liggins that included a demand for payment exceeding the three remaining years of his current contract, Board Chair Tyler Murphy told the Herald-Leader Friday night.

Murphy would not provide an exact amount of what Liggins asked for. Liggins’ current salary wasn’t immedaitely available, but his base pay in 2024-25 was $350,000, according to state education records.

“The Board has rejected proposals from Dr. Liggins that included a demand for payment exceeding the three remaining years of his current contract,” Murphy said. “Once again, we want to underscore that our focus remains on our students, ensuring stability throughout the district, and supporting our staff as they prepare for the successful start of a new school year.”

Liggins’ attorney, Amos Jones, did not immediately comment Friday night.

On Thursday night, Jones told the Herald-Leader that Liggins made four overtures to reach a resolution with the Fayette County Board of Education amid an employment dispute between the two sides, but there has been no success.

“Dr. Liggins has opened up with an open mind to reach some resolution,“ Jones told the Herald-Leader Thursday night. “Despite four overtures, the defense lawyers for the school board continue to communicate what we read as a bizarre desire to have several years of court action — the costliest churn that harms taxpayers.“

Liggins was placed on paid administrative leave in June, but district officials have not said why.

District officials and Jones did not immediately say Friday if there had been any changes in Liggins’ leave.

“Dr. Liggins is still on leave,” Murphy said. “We have no further comment at this time.”

This article will be updated.