Education Professional Standards Board records show action, training deferral tied to FCPS Superintendent
Open records show a 2023 admonishment tied to job-posting law and a 2026 “defer for training” entry, as Liggins remains on paid leave.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Open records obtained by WKYT show the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) took action involving Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins, who is currently on paid administrative leave.
That includes an admonishment in December 2023 and, more recently, a decision to “defer for training” in a separate, later case listed in EPSB meeting minutes from January 2026.
The EPSB is a state agency that licenses Kentucky educators and investigates complaints of educator misconduct.
OEA investigative report (Aug. 31, 2022)
A memorandum from the Office of Education Accountability (OEA) to Liggins and FCPS Chief Human Resources Officer Jennifer Dyar summarizes an investigation into allegations involving classified job postings and hiring practices within Fayette County Public Schools.
The report’s key points include:
- OEA investigated allegations that certain classified positions were filled without required posting/advertising.
- OEA concluded the “proper posting and hiring processes were not followed” in at least one instance described in the report.
- The report discusses Kentucky statutes and FCPS policy language related to maintaining a job registry and posting vacancies.
- OEA’s resolutions included training: Liggins and Dyar shall complete 2 hours of training regarding proper hiring practices, with proof to be submitted to OEA by a stated deadline.
EPSB notice to Liggins (Nov. 4, 2022)
A letter dated Nov. 4, 2022 states EPSB received information regarding Liggins’ professional conduct following an open records request with OEA, and cites KRS 161.120(2)(d) as the basis for providing him the information and an opportunity to submit a written rebuttal.
The letter states the rebuttal must be filed within 30 days of receipt.
EPSB deferral letter (April 12, 2023)
A second letter in the file, dated April 12, 2023, states EPSB reviewed a report of educator misconduct against Liggins on April 10, 2023 and voted to defer consideration of the case to offer him an opportunity to provide proof of OEA-recommended training.
The letter states:
- If proof of successful completion of the recommended training was provided by Oct. 10, 2023, EPSB would dismiss the case at a future meeting.
- If not provided by that date, the case would be presented for possible action.
EPSB admonishment letter (Dec. 11, 2023)
A letter dated Dec. 11, 2023 states EPSB reviewed a report of educator misconduct against Liggins on that date and voted to admonish him.
The letter states the admonishment was for a violation of KRS 160.380, describing the issue as a failure “to post two classified position[s]” “as required.” It also states:
- A copy of the admonishment would be placed in his official file.
- Liggins had the right to file a written response within 30 days of receipt and have it attached to the admonishment, or request a hearing within 30 days.
What “admonishment” and “deferral for training” mean (in general)
EPSB has a range of options when reviewing educator misconduct complaints and reports. In general, an admonishment is a written censure that can become final if a certificate holder does not request a hearing within the allowed time.
A deferral for training is a process where the board can give a certificate holder time to complete specific professional development before deciding whether to dismiss or take other action.
In the January meeting, Lisa Rudzinski, recused herself from the vote.
Rudzinski is a former FCPS employee.
WKYT was denied any records related to the January complaint.
An attorney for the EPSB said “Please be advised that a portion of the records you have requested are exempt from disclosure pursuant to KRS 61.878(1)(i) and (j), as they pertain to a pending educator case filed against Dr. Demetrius Liggins. Complaints or reports of educator misconduct filed with the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) that have resulted in an educator case, and any records pertaining to the educator case, are exempt from disclosure until final action has been taken by the EPSB. Kentucky Attorney General’s Opinion 10-OR-065 supports KDE’s position that such records are exempt. 10-ORD-065 states, “It is well established that records pertaining to an ongoing internal investigation by a public agency are exempt from disclosure before final action has been taken.” Until the EPSB has taken final action on an educator case, the records pertaining to that case are exempt from disclosure."
When pushed for clarification, EPSB attorneys told Kelsey Souto “While I understand your question, I unfortunately cannot give any confirmation or additional information about a pending case at this point beyond what the meeting minutes might provide.”
At least two Fayette County Public School Board Members confirmed to WKYT, they were not made aware of the case referenced in the January 2026 EPSB meeting minutes.
According to FCPS’ Board of Governance Manual updated in February, it does not appear there are any specific board policies or language that requires the school board be notified when an employee goes before the EPSB.
The Education Professional Standards Board has a full, in-person meeting set for Monday, July 13th, which includes public comment.
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