Radio host Jack Pattie: Supt. Liggins is transparent and gets results for our schools | Opinion

Superintendent. An important and rewarding job, and yet, most people I talk to say, “Why would anyone want that job?”

I’m a product of a Fayette County Public School education, but please don’t hold that against the system. The fact is, I was one of those on the back row at graduation who had to go to summer school to graduate. Who was at fault? Me, of course. My point is, I am not even close to being an expert in academia. But in the 50 years I’ve been behind the mic at WVLK Radio, I’ve interviewed nearly all of the superintendents we’ve had since 1975. And the purpose of this writing is to offer 100% support for Dr. Demetrus Liggins.

Dr. Liggins, unlike other superintendents we’ve had, is completely transparent. He comes on the air with me, every month, with no prepared questions for me to ask. No silent sidekick to answer the questions for him. Also, we have no subjects I am not “allowed” to talk about. It’s like a trapeze artist performing without a net! That tells me he has NO SECRETS. I like that. And our community is blessed with countless other leaders who are equally transparent. Mayor, Police Chief, Commissioner of Public Works, etc.

I believe, like a basketball team, superintendents should be graded on stats. Or in this case, results. Since Dr. Liggins has been our Superintendent his stat sheet is extremely impressive. Examples: Even though FCPS accounts for just 6.5% of the state’s total enrollment, it produces 32% of the state’s highest-performing students, based on ACT scores. Also under Dr. Liggins’ leadership, seniors outperformed their peers in Kentucky and all other states where all students take the ACT, with the exception of Wyoming where FCPS fell short by just 0.1%. This all under Dr. Liggins’ leadership.

I know stats can be tedious, but just a few more we can’t ignore. FCPS has no flagged schools for low achievement among Black, Hispanic or Economically Disadvantaged students in Kentucky’s school accountability system, marking a first for the district. Also, thanks to the leadership of Dr. Liggins’, for the first time, FCPS has no schools identified as requiring Comprehensive School Improvement.

Parents. They all advocate for their children, which is as it should be. I have a special needs daughter who attended FCPS until she was 21 years old. If you are the parent of an athlete, you advocate for sports programs and opportunities. Parents of gifted children advocate for gifted programs. All good.

Now, what about teachers? After seven years of stagnant pay under previous administrations, Dr. Liggins championed pay raises, resulting in the highest starting salary for teachers in Kentucky with starting salaries above $50,000. Another first!

Some have expressed issues regarding Dr. Liggins’ salary. I won’t even pretend to be an expert on that. However, we have talked about it on the air together. My understanding is, Fayette County is the second largest district in the state, while Jefferson County is the largest. Dr. Liggin’s salary is second highest to the Superintendent in Jefferson County, who makes the highest salary. That all makes sense to me.

In closing, I must mention snow. Now THAT is something that Dr. Liggins CAN’T control. However, Mayor Gorton has promised some changes including new equipment and better communication with the FCPS. Communication, I’ve learned, is the key to most things. I have gotten to know Dr. Demetrus Liggins fairly well in the last four years. I recognize him as a man of integrity, intelligence and amazing skill. PLEASE! Let’s keep this man in charge of FCPS.

Jack Pattie is the radio host of the morning show on Newstalk 590 WVLK, which he’s been hosting for the past 50 years.