In a joint statement signed by Democratic Reps. Chad Aull, Adrielle Camuel, Anne Gay Donworth, Adam Moore, and Lindsey Burke, the lawmakers say the Monday night meeting of the Fayette school board — when the highly-scrutinized budget was finally passed — made it "clear the community no longer trusts the current administration."
The joint statement calls for an independent forensic audit, which it says has been met with "hesitancy" from district administration — though Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has said he welcomes any internal or external review.
The new comments come as several Republican state lawmakers have called for Liggins to resign amid controversies over spending, questions about transparency, and concerns about a lack of trust within the district.
But some Democrats are rejecting those calls.
Rep. George Brown said while accountability is important, these calls are "premature, politically convenient, and ultimately harmful to the very students and families we are all charged to serve."
Democratic Sen. Reggie Thomas praised Liggins' work in the district during a hearing last week, pointing to studies showing Fayette County students regaining lost ground from the pandemic in reading and math faster than their peers across the country.
WUKY reached out to FCPS for comment, and received a statement from FCPS Board Chair Tyler Murphy. It began by saying: "During the special-called meeting on September 16, the Fayette County Board of Education voted unanimously to refer the matter of an external audit, review, or investigation to the Audit Committee for consideration and a report back. The Audit Committee is made up of members of our community who are professionals in finance, accounting, and auditing. The Board is committed to getting answers which could include a forensic audit."
It went on to outline what will occur, adding, "We are committed to a thorough and fair process and any and all independent, external reviews that will equip us with the information we need to move forward to support our students and serve our community. We will respect the independence of those processes and avoid reaching any conclusions until they are complete."
Read the full statements below:
Joint Statement Regarding Loss of Confidence in FCPS Leadership
We believe in public education and commend the academic successes of the students in Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS). We thank the educators and front-line staff who make these achievements possible.
The school board meeting on Monday, September 22, 2025, made it clear the community no longer trusts the current administration. A controversial new tax proposal, conflicting financial reports, questionable spending, and use of eminent domain to take property from homeowners – all of these actions undermine the public trust. We want to be clear: Fayette County families and taxpayers deserve better.
FCPS leadership has lost the confidence of the community they are entrusted to serve. We call for an independent forensic audit, which has been met with hesitancy from district administration. We demand transparency from FCPS leadership, in both words and actions. So far, the efforts of the leaders have been inadequate.
When trust is broken, it is the responsibility of leaders to listen to the public, reflect on their concerns, and work toward a path that rebuilds confidence and helps our community move forward.
This statement is signed by the following Fayette County legislators:
Rep. Chad Aull
Rep. Adrielle Camuel
Rep. Anne Gay Donworth
Rep. Adam Moore
Rep. Lindsey Burke
State Rep. George Brown Rejects Calls for Resignation, Reaffirms Support for Fayette County Public Schools
FRANKFORT, KY — Representative George Brown today released the following statement in response to recent press releases and open letters issued by Rep. Matt Lockett, Sen. Chris McDaniel, and Sen. Donald Douglas calling for the resignation of Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins and Board Chair Tyler Murphy:
“This week, we have seen public statements from some of my colleagues demanding leadership changes in Fayette County Public Schools. While accountability is important, these calls are premature, politically convenient, and ultimately harmful to the very students and families we are all charged to serve.
When Dr. Demetrus Liggins took the helm of Fayette County Public Schools in 2021, he became the seventh superintendent transition in just ten years. What this district needed then, and still needs now, is stability. Under his leadership, the district has seen growth in ACT scores, dual credit enrollment, and industry certifications. Advanced coursework opportunities have expanded, curriculum has become more inclusive, and community partnerships have deepened to prepare students for college and careers. These are signs of steady progress in the face of challenges and deserve celebration.
Much has also been made of so-called ‘lavish travel.’ Let’s call that what it is -- professional development and national collaboration that ensures Fayette County’s educators are learning from and contributing to the best practices of other districts across the country. If we want our students to compete nationally, we cannot isolate ourselves locally. To characterize these investments in learning and growth as wasteful is misleading at best.
Yes, there are financial challenges, as there have been throughout the Commonwealth and across the nation. The superintendent has acknowledged where improvements are needed, and rather than avoiding accountability, he has welcomed independent audits and investigations while taking corrective actions with transparency. To twist this humility into grounds for resignation ignores the broader context, distorts the facts, and ultimately undermines public trust.
Leadership is about building up, not tearing down. Fayette County’s educators, parents, and students deserve stability, focus, and support, not political theater.
I remain committed to working with any of my colleagues, including Rep. Lockett, Sen. McDaniel, and Sen. Douglas, if their true goal is improving outcomes for children. My door is open to honest collaboration. But I will not stand silently while political attacks threaten to distract from the real work happening in classrooms each day.”
Statement from Board Chair Tyler Murphy
We appreciate the opportunity to provide clarity on the information being shared publicly and welcome the chance to offer a complete picture of the information available to our community.
During the special-called meeting on September 16, the Fayette County Board of Education voted unanimously to refer the matter of an external audit, review, or investigation to the Audit Committee for consideration and a report back. The Audit Committee is made up of members of our community who are professionals in finance, accounting, and auditing. The Board is committed to getting answers which could include a forensic audit. The following overview of the Board’s referral was shared with the committee:
Committee Charge:
- Determine an appropriate scope and type of audit, review, or investigation aligned with the objectives outlined below;
- Based on this determination, develop an RFP commissioning an external audit, review, or investigation aligned with the objectives;
- Ensure efficiency by avoiding duplicating existing and pending external reviews, audits, and investigations;
- Report back to the board including cost estimates, options for cost savings, and any additional feedback or suggestions from the committee for moving forward.
Desired Objectives
- Review internal structure, operations, and procedures of the Budget & Financial Planning office and their alignment with FCPS strategic plan and transparency goals.
- Review internal structure, operations, and procedures of the Financial Accounting & Benefit Services office and alignment with FCPS strategic plan and transparency goals.
- Assess quality of communication between and among the various FCPS departments as part of the budget and financial processes.
- Evaluate systems and processes involved in how budget and financial information is reported to the Board of Education.
- Determine whether sufficient evidence exists for the commissioning of additional financial, budgetary, or forensic review related to misappropriation or misuse of funds.
- Recommend improvements, adjustments, or additions to district processes or policies that address inefficiencies, better align with strategic priorities, and ensure transparency.
We are committed to a thorough and fair process and any and all independent, external reviews that will equip us with the information we need to move forward to support our students and serve our community. We will respect the independence of those processes and avoid reaching any conclusions until they are complete.