Attorney Amos Jones filed a complaint last week, alleging the Fayette County Board of Education violated Kentucky's Open Meetings Act by discussing what it called Liggins' resignation during a closed session. Liggins contends he never resigned and was instead proposing a potential separation agreement.
In a response letter, FCPS denied any Open Meetings Act violations and defended the board's June 10 decision to place Liggins on paid administrative leave and appoint Dr. Bill Bradford as acting superintendent. The district said Liggins initially informed Board Chair Tyler Murphy that he had decided to step away from his position but later sent a second message stating he had not resigned and intended to continue serving as superintendent.
The board argued that closed-session discussions were permitted under state law because they involved personnel matters that could lead to discipline, dismissal, or the appointment of another employee. Officials also said they had received information about alleged conduct by Liggins before the meeting that warranted discussion. Liggins is accused of creating a false legal document to intimidate a FCPS employee.
A letter to Liggins attorney sent on Wednesday stated that:
"...the Board entered closed session because it had received information about alleged conduct by Dr. Liggins shortly before he tendered his resignation on June 9, and the Board therefore anticipated discussions surrounding Dr. Liggins’ resignation notice that could lead to an employee’s discipline and/or a related employee appointment—all expressly authorized by KRS 61.810(1)(f),"
The board said it will not reverse its actions or reinstate Liggins while an investigation continues.
Liggins, recently named Kentucky's 2026 Superintendent of the Year, remains on administrative leave. Jones maintains the board wrongly treated the position as vacant and warned that if Liggins is not reinstated, additional details about the dispute could be made public.
FCPS Board Chair Tyler Murphy released the following statement to WUKY:
"The Fayette County Board of Education remains focused on serving our students and maintaining stability across the District.
The Board will continue to follow the law and make decision based on facts and the best interests of our schools and community. Because these matters involve personnel issues, potential legal considerations, and ongoing Board processes, it would be inappropriate to litigate them in the press.
Our focus remains on our students, our educators and the successful, stable operations of Fayette Count Public Schools."
Read the full response from FCPS attorneys to Liggins legal team below:
