LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Fayette County Board of Education voted unanimously on June 10 to place Superintendent Demetrus Liggins on paid administrative leave pending a review of his employment, according to the district.

The board voted 5-0 after a closed session meeting lasting two-and-a-half hours. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Bill Bradford was appointed as acting superintendent effective immediately. The board also retained the law firm VanAntwerp to conduct a review of information regarding Liggins' employment pursuant to state statute.

Liggins sought a separation agreement from the school board in a late-night email on June 9, then later asserted his message had been mischaracterized as a resignation and withdrew the request. The board declined to entertain a separation package, according to officials.

"The leave will remain in effect while the matter is reviewed," the district said in a statement, noting the action is consistent with standard personnel practices. The board declined to provide additional details, citing personnel matters and potential legal considerations.

Bradford, who previously served as assistant superintendent of school leadership, oversees the district's chiefs of schools. School Board member Amanda Ferguson said Liggins' letter was the catalyst for the decision and apologized for the turmoil of recent years.

KY 120 United AFT-Fayette cast a vote of no confidence in the district's current leadership, calling for systemic change and the resignation of both Liggins and Board Chair Tyler Murphy.

Liggins has led Kentucky's second-largest school district since July 2021 and was named the state's 2026 Superintendent of the Year by the Kentucky Association of School Administrators. His tenure came amid mounting fiscal challenges, including budget deficits that prompted layoffs and a $95 million loan request to cover expenses. Liggins' contract is set to expire in June 2029.