Packed public-comment session split over superintendent renewal and district spending
Summary
Thirty-six registered speakers filled the board's public-comment block. Supporters — including principals, union leaders and faith groups — praised Superintendent Liggins' leadership; critics demanded clearer financial transparency and questioned expenditures on professional development and central-office travel.
At least 36 people who had signed up before the meeting addressed the Fayette County Board of Education on Jan. 27, with testimony divided sharply over whether to renew Superintendent Demetrius Liggins' contract. Organized groups and individuals presented both formal statements of support and public petitions calling for non-renewal.
Dr. Danny Anthony Everett, speaking for the Equity Council, defended the superintendent, saying his leadership "has proven to be a dynamic and forward thinking leader" and pointing to improved state accountability outcomes. Multiple school principals, including Ebony Hutchinson and Brian Jacobs, described district-level program and staffing changes that they said improved equity and classroom conditions.
Opponents including Rachel Bueser and Mark Russell focused on perceived shortcomings in budget transparency. Bueser described the district budget as "208 pages" and difficult to navigate on its face; others cited the $26,000 Ron Clark engagement and called for clearer itemized spending records. Norma Justice contrasted average national superintendent pay with a figure she gave for the district superintendent's salary: "Mister Liggins makes $369,142," she said.
Petitions on both sides were announced: one pro-renewal petition cited 2,216 signatures, while an opposing petition had 1,463 signatures, as stated from the public speakers' podium. Many speakers on both sides asked for next steps: opponents requested clearer, searchable budget details; supporters asked the board to consider student outcomes and staff stability when weighing renewal.
The board heard the testimony before taking action later in the meeting; members said they would take the public input into account as part of follow-up evaluation and budget review.
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