Lexington, Kentucky, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Fayette County Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has been charged nearly $152,000 in taxpayer-funded expenses from 2023 to 2025, prompting scrutiny over his spending practices. An investigation revealed substantial amounts spent on meals, hotels, and travel, raising concerns among school board members and taxpayers. With a projected $16 million budget shortfall, the district plans to hire an auditor and revise spending policies amid criticisms of excessive expenditures. Liggins defended his spending as vital to professional development and innovation in education.
Lexington, Kentucky – Fayette County Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has been charged with nearly $152,000 in taxpayer-funded expenses from January 2023 to May 2025, amidst increasing scrutiny surrounding his spending practices. This figure includes an additional $30,000 billed during what has been termed an “executive-level transition” period just prior to his official start date in July 2021.
An analysis conducted by the Lexington Herald-Leader examined nearly 950 public records, revealing that Liggins utilized a procurement card for a wide range of purchases. These included meals, hotels, plane tickets, Uber rides, rental cars, parking, and office supplies. Additionally, the card was used to cover costs associated with sending teachers to conferences, funding student field trips, and acquiring student activity supplies.
The financial breakdown indicates Liggins charged at least $25,969 for food, $44,150 on hotels, and $8,084 on airfare. Noteworthy transactions included 12 meals with costs ranging from $300 to $1,000 each, along with at least eight meals exceeding $1,000. For instance, over $9,088 was spent on meals for Liggins’ cabinet and other administrators at upscale restaurants in Lexington.
During the 28-month review period, Liggins embarked on 29 board-approved trips to numerous cities, including San Francisco, San Diego, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Moreover, prior to officially assuming his role, Liggins was reimbursed $29,204 for expenses including airfare, lodging, and moving costs, resulting in taxpayers covering more than $4,000 each week during his seven-week transition period.
Concerns over Liggins’ spending have intensified among school board members and taxpayers, particularly in light of the district’s $827.2 million budget. Some school board members have pointed out that Liggins’ travel frequency appears higher than that of his predecessors, with trips often across the country. Critics highlighted instances where extravagant meals were charged, such as an $834 meal at Morton’s Steakhouse in Louisville with board members and a $1,108 dinner at Fogo de Chao in Los Angeles attended by district staff.
The scrutiny intensified after a December 4, 2024, charge exceeding $3,300 for a principals’ luncheon at Sedona Tap House, which is described as a long-standing tradition. Liggins also utilized public funds for local fundraiser table sponsorships totaling $5,200.
In response to these allegations, the Fayette County School District has announced that it will hire an external auditor to investigate budgeting and spending practices. The district also plans to implement changes to travel policies, including potential spending limits for meals and enhanced overall efficiency practices. Furthermore, a special financial examination by State Auditor Allison Ball is underway.
Continuing reports of other expenditures reveal that district employees charged over $2.5 million on school-issued credit cards between August 2024 and January 2025. Liggins defended his spending as essential for professional development, asserting that the conferences selected aimed to foster educational innovation within Fayette County.
Despite the value placed on professional development, context is critical. Fayette County is currently grappling with a projected $16 million budget shortfall. Comparisons with other large school districts in Kentucky have shown that Fayette County’s travel expenses significantly exceed those of its counterparts. Liggins noted a participation in a conference held in Australia in 2022, which cost a minimum of $6,869.
Concerns have also been raised about the ambiguity surrounding which high-cost meals receive board review, as well as the absence of itemized receipts and clarity on attendees associated with charged meals. Current measures are being established to enhance financial controls related to employee expenditures.
FAQ
What is the total amount of taxpayer expenses charged by Superintendent Demetrus Liggins?
Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has charged nearly $152,000 in taxpayer expenses between January 2023 and May 2025.
What types of expenses did Liggins include on his procurement card?
The procurement card was used for meals, hotels, plane tickets, Uber rides, rental cars, parking, office supplies, teacher conference costs, student field trips, and student activity supplies.
How has the school district responded to concerns about Liggins’ spending?
The Fayette County School District plans to hire an external auditor to review budgeting and spending practices and is considering changes to travel policies.
What is the projected budget shortfall for Fayette County Schools?
The district is currently facing a projected budget shortfall of $16 million.
Key Features of the Superintendent’s Spending
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Expenses Charged | $152,000 |
| Food Expenses | $25,969 |
| Hotel Expenses | $44,150 |
| Airfare Expenses | $8,084 |
| Transition Cost Before Official Start | $30,000 |
| Board-Approved Trips | 29 trips |
| Budget Shortfall | $16 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Fayette County Schools Face Backlash Over Lobbying Contracts
Kentucky Lawmaker Proposes Bill Against School Lobbying
Kentucky Auditor Fast-Tracks Financial Audit for Fayette County Schools
Fayette County Public Schools Faces Backlash Over Tax Hike
Fayette County Public Schools Faces $16 Million Budget Shortfall
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County Schools Superintendent Expenses
- Wikipedia: Fayette County, Kentucky
- WKYT: Report on Fayette County Schools Superintendent
- Google Search: Fayette County Schools Budget Shortfall
- LEX18: Fayette County Schools Approves Budget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Budget
- Spectrum News: Fayette County Schools Budget Vote
- Google News: Fayette County Superintendent Demetrus Liggins
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
