LEXINGTON, Ky. — Superintendent Demetrus Liggins announced he will take a 10% pay cut to his base salary as Fayette County Public Schools grapples with severe financial problems stemming from long-standing accounting errors.

The district's records have been "fundamentally misstated" for nearly two decades, with inaccuracies dating to 2008. Newly elected District Financial Officer Kyna Koch revealed problems including issues with internal controls, procurement and contracts, receivables and payables, record keeping, missed deadlines, and miscoded allocations.

In addition to the salary reduction, Liggins announced a five-day reduction in his contract. "I share that not because it lessens the hardship faced by those experiencing far greater employment impacts, nor to compare sacrifices, but because I believe leaders should never ask others to bear burdens they are unwilling to shoulder themselves," he said in a statement to staff.

The district is implementing fixes affecting staff pay and employment to address the crisis. The district plans to generate $1.9 million in savings through layoffs and hours reductions across district-level departments. While difficult decisions have impacted administrative staff, no classroom teacher or paraeducator positions have been reduced.

Interim Chief Financial Officer Kyna Koch recommended the district obtain a short-term loan to pay its expenses. Liggins, who has led FCPS since July 2021, said the district is implementing investigative measures and reviews to prevent similar issues.

Two external investigations are underway, including a comprehensive review by accounting firm Weaver and Tidwell and a special examination by the state Auditor of Public Accounts.