With the school board's acceptance of former superintendent Demetrus Liggins' retirement and the vacancy now official, school leaders are in the early stages of the hunt for his replacement. The quick turnaround is actually required by state law, which mandates that school districts begin searching for new superintendents within 30 days of opening up the post.
The community needs to have a big piece of that process.Matthew Vied, public school advocate
"Much of the search process is defined by law, and so of course we'll follow and respect those parameters. We'll be committed to engaging the community fully in that process, engaging our staff in that process," board chair Tyler Murphy told reporters following the board's last action meeting. He said the focus will be on "ensuring student success and achievement, (and) that the work that's happening every day in our classroom, which is where the rubber meets the road, is uninterrupted, that it is a smooth transition."
The superintendent screening committee will include two teachers or certified employees, one classified employee, a principal, a school board member, and a parent or guardian.
District employees and parents with children attending school in the district can nominee themselves or other eligible candidates — with a due date of September 2.
Frequent FCPS critic Matthew Vied has said any internal nominee for the top position would face skepticism as the district continues to grapple with long-term budget concerns.
"There's a certain stain on the talent in this building because of the proximity to Liggins, and to that decision-making process," Vied told WUKY. "I'm not saying no one in this building is qualified for the job. I'm sure that there are... but the community needs to have a big piece of that process."
For the time being, Dr. Bill Bradford is serving in the role of interim superintendent. The board agreed on August 17 to extend Bradford's contract and transition him from acting to interim superintendent with no change in pay.