LEXINGTON, Ky. — Assistant Superintendent Bill Bradford, who has 23 years of education experience, is stepping up to serve as acting superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools following the board's decision to place Superintendent Demetrus Liggins on paid administrative leave.

The board voted unanimously to appoint Bradford as acting superintendent, effective immediately, in response to uncertainty surrounding Liggins' status. Liggins had sought a separation agreement from the school board in a late-night email Tuesday, then hours later said his message was mischaracterized as a resignation and withdrew the request.

Bradford, who is bilingual in English and Spanish, has led several full-scale organizational projects at the district level. He was named assistant superintendent in July 2024 and currently supervises the office of School Leadership & Learning Support, overseeing the departments of Athletics, Grant Partnerships, School-Based Decision Making Councils, and Magnet School Assistance Programs.

"This district is very special to me. My priority is to ensure that students remain our focus, educators are supported, and that we build on the strengths of FCPS," Bradford said in a statement. "I am confident that my experience and expertise can advance our entire team's work, unify our community, and expand upon the standard we've established in our vision."

Bradford graduated with a bachelor's degree in Spanish Language and Literature from Transylvania University, where he was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in diving. He holds a master's degree in Education from Georgetown College, a master's degree in Instructional Leadership from Eastern Kentucky University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University, where he works as an adjunct instructor in the College of Education.

His career began at Lafayette High School as a Spanish teacher before moving to a district-level role as a K-12 instructional support specialist focused on middle schools. In 2010, Bradford was hired as principal of Sixth District Elementary School in Covington, and three years later became assistant superintendent for the Covington Independent Public Schools. He subsequently served as principal of River Ridge Elementary in Kenton County and assistant superintendent of Teaching and Learning for Fort Thomas Independent Schools before returning to FCPS in 2022.

The board will not entertain a separation package for Liggins and approved a motion to retain a law firm, VanAntwerp, to review Liggins' employment with the district.