LEXINGTON, Ky. — Acting Superintendent Dr. Bill Bradford outlined his priorities in a media briefing Monday, focusing on district stability, work culture and finances as he assumes leadership of Kentucky's second-largest school district amid recent turmoil at the top.

Bradford was appointed acting superintendent after the Fayette County Board of Education voted unanimously to place Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins on paid administrative leave on June 10. The decision followed days of confusion after Liggins sent a late-night email that the board initially treated as a resignation, only to have him dispute that characterization hours later.

Bradford, who held the position of assistant superintendent prior to his appointment, emphasized the need to rebuild trust within the district. "The perspective on Team FCPS has been somewhat disrupted," Bradford said. "It would be my desire that we resurrect that concept of team FCPS to the extent possible."

The new acting superintendent inherits a district facing significant financial pressures. Bradford steps into the role as the district faces steep financial issues that have led to programs and jobs being cut for 120 staff members. He said he wants to help tackle the district's fiscal health, drawing on financial expertise from previous leadership positions despite not having been as hands-on with budgeting in his assistant superintendent role.

Bradford has been in district leadership for nine years and has served as assistant superintendent for Fayette County Public Schools for two years. He has 23 years of experience in education and began his career as a Spanish teacher at Lafayette High School before advancing to leadership roles in multiple school districts.

The school board also voted to retain the law firm VanAntwerp to review Liggins' employment with the district. The board indicated it would not entertain a separation agreement with Liggins, leaving his status under review pending the legal counsel's findings.