LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Fayette County Public Schools has until 5 p.m. Wednesday to restore Dr. Demetrus Liggins as superintendent. That's the demand from his attorney, Amos Jones, who filed a formal complaint Friday alleging the district violated state open meetings law.
Jones is accusing the district of entering a closed session during a board meeting to discuss the superintendent's resignation, while Liggins says he was only proposing a possible separation agreement, not resigning.
In a statement, the Fayette County Board of Education said it is following the law, saying in part: "Because these matters involved personnel issues, potential legal considerations, and ongoing board processes, it would be inappropriate to litigate them in the press."
Liggins was named 2026 Superintendent of the Year by the Kentucky Association of School Administrators and had the blessing of the board in a renewed contract in 2025. He was placed on administrative leave by the Fayette County Board of Education on June 10th. The board stating in a release that the decision was "consistent with standard personnel practices, pending further review of information concerning his employment. The leave will remain in effect while the matter is reviewed."
The board's decision came after it called a meeting to review what members considered a resignation notice, one that Liggins later claimed was misinterpreted. The legal issues surrounding Liggins' employment continue.
Following the decision, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Bill Bradford was named acting superintendent effective immediately. FCPS officials described in a news release that Bradford brings 23 years of education experience to the role.
The complaint filed by Liggins centers on this action taken by Fayette County Public Schools. Jones claims that by placing Liggins on paid administrative leave the board treated the superintendent position as vacant, when no vacancy legally exists.
He also states that his client was "...falsely tagged with a resignation that did not occur," Jones said.
Jones said if the district does not meet the Wednesday deadline, his team will publicly reveal alleged district matters.
"If they don't get it straight and figure out who the real problem is in this matter, on whom Dr. Liggins has blown the whistle. Then it's going to be all opened up and names will be named," Jones said.
Jones added that Liggins is ready to return.
