LEXINGTON, Ky.- The new Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent started his first day today in the district. 

What You Need To Know

  • Dr. Demetrus Liggins started his role as Faytette County Public Schools Superintendent

  • Dr. Liggins plans to focus on COVID-19 and working on in-person options

  • On Tuesday, Dr. Liggins will meet with the COVID-19 task force to discuss plans moving forward for the 2021-22 school year

  • Dr. Liggins says he will make an announcement closer to the first day of school regarding safety procedures for in-person learning

Dr. Demetrus Liggins started his new role as superintendent for the Fayette County Public School District. With the first day of school less than a month away, the most important item on his agenda is COVID-19.

“We've discussed masks, we've discussed the number of students that are vaccinated, we've discussed the amount of staff that are vaccinated, we've discussed what's happening within our community in general and with our nation and the state. And so a lot of discussions have been had. A final decision has not yet been made but we've tossed around quite a few things,” Liggins said.

Liggins says his main priority will be to keep the students and staff in-person, with opportunities for students to learn virtually, understanding that some families may not feel the same way.

“Every family has to make a decision that is in the best interest of themselves, their family members, and the health and priorities within that family. And so we have offered a variety of options for our families to choose from. As far as there's a virtual learning option for parents as well as obviously a lot of other campus options and program options that they may take advantage of,” Liggins said.

Liggins is waiting to make an announcement closer to the beginning of the school year, about vaccines, mask-wearing, and safety requirements for in-person learning. 

“The evolving situation with COVID-19 and the delta variant, moving so quickly. We want to make sure that once we make a decision that we can stick to it and that our families completely understand why,” Liggins said. 

Liggins says COVID-19 will be his first focus point and decision made in his new role, and along with COVID-19 he hopes to find different areas throughout the district to also improve this year. 

“I want to make sure that we're doing everything to make sure that our students are able to learn in an environment that is safe and conducive to learning,” Liggins said.

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