Fayette County, August 12, 2025
News Summary
Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins received a raise, bringing his compensation to $381,767, making him the second-highest paid superintendent in Kentucky. This salary increase occurs against the backdrop of a $16 million budget deficit, raising concerns among the community about potential cuts to essential programs. Discussions about revenue enhancement via an occupational tax were withdrawn due to public backlash, prompting the formation of a task force to explore budget stabilization options.
Fayette County has found itself at the intersection of budget challenges and rising administrative costs as Superintendent Demetrus Liggins received a $12,625 raise, bringing his total compensation package to $381,767 for the 2024-2025 school year. This salary positions him as the second-highest paid superintendent in Kentucky, trailing only behind the superintendent of Jefferson County.
The raise, which reflects a 3% increase over last year’s salary of $369,142, is automatic and contractually mandated, meaning it did not require a formal vote from the school board. Furthermore, it was not publicly announced due to the contractual nature of his pay adjustments. Liggins’ compensation includes salary, pension, and benefits, positioning his earnings significantly above the average superintendent salary in the state, which is around $150,000.
This increase comes at a time when Fayette County Public Schools is grappling with a $16 million budget deficit. Fiscal oversight has become a heightened concern among community members, especially as discussions continue regarding potential cuts to essential programming, including foreign language and art classes.
Efforts to alleviate the financial strain faced by the district included a proposal for an occupational tax increase, aimed at boosting revenue. However, this proposal was withdrawn after public outcry and threats of a recall petition. In response, district officials have formed a task force that will explore various options for spending cuts or new revenue streams to stabilize the budget.
As scrutiny over superintendent salaries intensifies, critics argue that the financial priorities of Fayette County’s school district must be re-evaluated, especially in the context of threatened service cuts. Parallel to this, a state audit on district spending is anticipated to conclude in 2026, which may provide further insight into fiscal management decisions.
Within the state, various other superintendents have demonstrated significantly higher compensation. For instance, Jefferson County’s current superintendent, Brian Yearwood, has a compensation package of $389,000, while his predecessor received a total of $636,354 in his final year, largely due to a one-time sick day payout. Notably, the student population in Jefferson County is almost double that of Fayette County, with 97,000 students compared to 41,000.
As the Fayette County Public Schools navigate these economic challenges, the combination of mandated salary increases for administrators and the need to address a budget deficit puts significant pressure on district leadership and community advocates alike.
FAQ
What is Demetrus Liggins’ new salary for the 2024-2025 school year?
Demetrus Liggins’ total compensation for the 2024-2025 school year is $381,767, which includes salary, pension, and benefits.
How much did Liggins receive as a raise?
Liggins received a $12,625 raise, reflecting a 3% increase over the previous year.
Does Liggins’ raise require school board approval?
No, the raise is automatically mandated by his contract and does not require a vote from the school board.
What is the budget crisis Fayette County Public Schools is facing?
The district is confronting a $16 million budget deficit, prompting discussions about potential cuts to programs.
What action was taken regarding the proposed occupational tax increase?
A proposal for an occupational tax increase was withdrawn due to public backlash and fears of a recall petition.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Salary | $381,767 |
| Raise Amount | $12,625 |
| Previous Salary | $369,142 |
| Average Superintendent Salary in Kentucky | $150,000 |
| Budget Deficit | $16 million |
| Occupational Tax Proposal | Withdrawn |
| Student Population (Fayette County) | 41,000 |
| Student Population (Jefferson County) | 97,000 |
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Superintendent Salary News
- Kentucky.com: Education Updates
- Spectrum News 1: Demetrus Liggins Contract
- WKYT: Highest Paid Superintendent in Kentucky
- Times-Herald: Superintendent Pay Raise
- Wikipedia: Education in Kentucky
- Google Search: Kentucky Superintendent Salaries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Superintendent Salary
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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