LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Fayette County School Board announced Dr. Demetrus Liggins as the new superintendent for Fayette County Public Schools.
The board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Liggins following a five-month search.
"I'm ready to get to work and ready to make sure we impact student achievement in a very positive way," Liggins said, soon after his appointment.
"His experiences, and his proven track record... Dr. Liggins really shined," said Board Chair Tyler Murphy. "Our board is enthusiastic to find a candidate whose skills and experiences align so well with the superintendent candidate profile."
The choice couldn't have been easy as Dr. Liggins was up against some highly competent educators who made the final cut. But in the end, the board members agreed that Liggins was the right fit for the district. Liggins, the current superintendent of the Greenville district in Dallas, Texas, had a tough choice to make too. But going through the process helped make his decision a little easier.
"Meeting the students and really being impressed with what they’re doing, and what their interests are, and their involvement in their schools. It became quite obvious each day I went through the process that this is the place I wanted to be," Dr. Liggins said.
Liggins helped the Greenville district rise from a "D" rating to the current "B" rating it obtained. And clearly, he did his homework when it came time to discuss his predecessor, Manny Caulk, who died unexpectedly in December. Caulk served as superintendent since 2015.
"I knew of him. I’ve read lots and lots about him in my research of the district. Obviously, he left a legacy unfulfilled and did some amazing things for the students and the community," Liggins said of Caulk.
Liggins added that he'd like to continue to add to many of the things established by Caulk, which include expanding curriculum choices and bridging the achievement gap between students.
The sides will now need to agree on the terms of an employment contract. Assuming that happens, he said he'd like to be relocated to Lexington and on the job next month.
