Fayette County, Kentucky, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The Fayette County Board of Education scrutinizes Superintendent Demetrus Liggins’ travel and expenses, totaling over $151,000 amid a $16 million budget shortfall. The review has raised concerns about the appropriateness of spending, especially with significant amounts allocated to food and lodging. The Board is now pushing for financial reforms and has approved a tight operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Fayette County, Kentucky – The Fayette County Board of Education is currently reviewing the travel and expense spending of Superintendent Demetrus Liggins amid a budget crisis faced by the district. From January 2023 to May 2025, Liggins charged over $151,000 to the district for travel-related expenses, prompting concerns from board members about the appropriateness of these expenditures.
Among the controversial spending, at least $25,969 was allocated for food, which includes meals for staff, students, and others associated with district activities. There were particular instances of expensive meals, including 12 food orders costing between $300 and $1,000 and at least eight meals exceeding $1,000. Approximately $9,088 was spent on dining for cabinet members, district chiefs, and administrators at local restaurants. Additionally, spending on hotels reached $44,150, while airfare totaled $8,084 over the review period.
Concerns about financial management have intensified since the district announced a significant $16 million shortfall earlier this year, leading to a reassessment of travel and food policies. In a related finding, Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) employees accumulated over $2.5 million in charges on school-issued credit cards between August 2024 and January 2025. This included 34 meals costing between $500 and $1,000 and 23 meals exceeding $1,000.
The school board approved a new budget labeled as balanced for the 2025-26 fiscal year just before the state-mandated September 30 deadline. However, amidst the approval, board members have expressed concerns over Liggins’ travel habits, suggesting they may surpass those of previous superintendents. Although the school board asserts that it does not review procurement card receipts, it does approve all professional travel for personnel.
Furthermore, Board President Tyler Murphy confirmed that while safeguards are in place to prevent abuse in the use of procurement cards, some members like Monica Mundy emphasized the urgent need for financial reforms due to continuous financial deficits and overspending. To enhance transparency and address community concerns about budget management, FCPS has also launched a new employee salary database.
FCPS’s operating budget has seen a drastic decrease from $82.5 million two years ago to $26.3 million in the latest budget. The school board has mandated that Liggins return with a plan to restore the district’s contingency fund to a level of 6% as part of future budget approvals. An external auditor has been appointed to review district finances, including travel, entertainment expenses, and the use of procurement cards.
The scrutiny of Superintendent Liggins’ expenses highlights broader concerns regarding budget management within the Fayette County Public Schools system as the board strives for financial stability amidst ongoing budgetary challenges.
FAQ
What is the total amount charged by Superintendent Liggins for travel and related expenses?
Superintendent Demetrus Liggins charged over $151,000 to the district for travel and related expenses from January 2023 to May 2025.
What categories contributed to this total expense?
The expenses include at least $25,969 for food, $44,150 on hotels, and $8,084 on airfare.
Why is there concern over Liggins’ spending?
Concerns have arisen due to the district’s $16 million budget shortfall and the perceived excessive nature of Liggins’ travel compared to previous superintendents.
What actions are being taken to address the budget crisis?
The school board has approved a new budget, mandated financial reforms, and appointed an external auditor to examine district finances, including travel expenses.
How has the operating budget changed in recent years?
The district’s operating budget has declined significantly from $82.5 million two years ago to $26.3 million in the latest budget.
Key Features of the Fayette County School Board Spending Review
| Expense Category | Amount Spent |
|---|---|
| Travel Expenses (Total) | $151,000 |
| Food | $25,969 |
| Hotels | $44,150 |
| Airfare | $8,084 |
| FCPS Employee Credit Card Charges (August 2024 – January 2025) | $2.5 million |
| Budget Shortfall | $16 million |
| Latest Operating Budget | $26.3 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fayette County Schools Superintendent Faces Scrutiny Over $152,000 Expenses
Fayette County School Board Approves $827.2 Million Budget
Calls for Leadership Changes at Fayette County Public Schools
Suspension of Fayette County Schools Budget Director Raises Concerns
Suspension of Fayette County Schools Budget Director Raises Concerns
Fayette County Public Schools Faces $16 Million Budget Shortfall
Kentucky Auditor Fast-Tracks Financial Audit for Fayette County Schools
Fayette County Public Schools Faces $16 Million Budget Shortfall
Fayette County Faces $16 Million Budget Shortfall Impacting Schools
Controversy Erupts in Fayette County Public Schools Leadership
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County Schools Spending Review
- Wikipedia: Fayette County, Kentucky
- WKYT: FCPS Superintendent Expense Report
- Google Search: Fayette County schools budget
- Spectrum News: Fayette County Schools Budget Vote
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- LEX 18: FCPS Fiscal Year Budget Approval
- Kentucky.com: FCPS Financial Oversight
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