News Summary
An email exchange between Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins and board member Amanda Ferguson has triggered concerns over public records and transparency. Liggins accused Ferguson of unethical conduct regarding document requests, highlighting distinctions between board members and the public in accessing school records. Ferguson responded at a district workshop, referencing past challenges in obtaining information. Meanwhile, a petition reflecting community concern about Liggins’ leadership has gathered over 400 signatures, illustrating the divided opinions on transparency and accountability in the school district.
Fayette, Kentucky – A recent email exchange between Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins and school board member Amanda Ferguson has sparked controversy regarding the handling of public records and transparency within the Fayette County Public Schools system. In the November 5 email, Liggins criticized Ferguson’s actions as “misleading” and “unethical“, pointing to potential violations of Kentucky’s Open Records Act.
Liggins highlighted that Ferguson’s actions might compel her to file an Open Records Request (ORR) for specific documents, a process usually reserved for the public, and not typically initiated by board members. This move has raised questions about the appropriate protocols for accessing district documents and the influence of board members on the transparency process.
The email exchange followed accusations against Ferguson for sharing a sought-after document beyond the confines of the board, a move Liggins labeled a “serious breach of trust“. He emphasized the need for all community members, including board members, to follow formal procedures when requesting access to public documents, stating that bypassing these procedures undermines the integrity of the district’s operations.
To maintain transparency, Liggins announced that any future document requests made by Ferguson must proceed through the Open Records process unless the documents are designated for the entire board. While Liggins did not elaborate further, he made the email exchange public in response to inquiries regarding his decisions.
After the email was sent, Ferguson did not respond to media inquiries. However, she did reference Liggins’ admonishment during a recent district budget workshop. At this meeting, she recalled how a former chair of the board’s budget and finance committee had previously denied her access to a detailed line-by-line budget, an issue she sought to address as part of her role.
Following the incident, parent Rachel Buser expressed her support for Ferguson through a Facebook page advocating for accountability within the school district. Buser characterized Liggins’ governance approach as alarming and problematic. She underscored the importance of Ferguson’s efforts to ask tough questions and ensure community interests are represented.
Ferguson reached out to Liggins for a public service agreement related to the district’s dealings with a local church after community concerns emerged about their relationship. After receiving the document, she shared it with a small group of community members, which Liggins deemed inappropriate and misleading.
With over 13 years of service as a board member, Ferguson stated that she had never encountered such restrictions in accessing information that limited her advocacy for her constituents. In light of the ongoing tensions, Buser initiated a petition against the renewal of Liggins’ contract, citing concerns over administrative spending and perceived leadership failures.
This petition, which has garnered over 400 signatures, specifically criticized the district’s spending priorities, including a reported $260,000 on new HR furniture amid claims of insufficient funding for educational needs. Conversely, another petition has gained traction in support of Liggins, presenting arguments that he has positively impacted student performance metrics and increased graduation rates despite the financial controversies.
As the Fayette County Board of Education approaches a decision regarding the renewal of Liggins’ contract, both sides present divided opinions on the administration’s effectiveness and fiscal responsibility. The discussions surrounding public records access, governance ethics, and the overall administration’s accountability will likely continue to influence school board dynamics and community relations moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Controversy in Fayette County Schools
- LEX18: Petition to Oust Superintendent
- Spectrum News 1: Parents Speak Out on FCPS
- Wikipedia: Fayette County, Kentucky
- Google Search: Fayette County Public Schools
