An online petition urging the board not to renew Liggins' contract had attracted more than 1,180 signers as of Wednesday afternoon. Dig into the comments and you'll find concerns mostly focused on spending priorities — ranging from complaints about administrative costs to arts cuts to the district's response to the recent bout of winter weather.
The petition text says there are increasing concerns that tax dollars are not being utilized "efficiently or ethically." WUKY reached out to the FCPS parent behind the petition, Rachel Buser, and is awaiting a response.
Buser told WLEX-TV the week-and-a-half long wait to get kids back in school after the winter disruptions has galvanized some opposition to Liggins' renewal.
"This was a perfect example of that failed leadership and that inability to make productive decisions that's for the betterment of our children, to get them back in the buildings," she told the station.
But Tuesday night, the district's Equity Council sent out a lengthy defense of the superintendent. It describes Liggins as a "dynamic and forward-thinking" leader who has met questions about spending in a "timely and transparent" way while achieving "measurable progress" for the district.
In a statement, Liggins said he's proud of his record of "historic achievement and transformational leadership."
He went on to say, "As the Board evaluates my contract, the critical question is not about the opinions and fabrications of a vocal minority but about the measurable realities: Has the district improved under my leadership, and is there a clear plan to ensure continued growth? The facts and data provide an unequivocal answer—yes, on both counts."
Frustrated parents say they plan to speak at Monday's board meeting.
UPDATE (1/22/25): A second online petition, also on change.org, seeks to defend Superintendent Demetrus Liggins. The text reads: "As a Father of children in the FCPS district. I’d like to save the Superintendent position that is currently held by Dr. Liggins. Please join me as we continue to stand on Business with supporting our Leadership and strengthening our community with kindness and gratitude for our Public School System."
