LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – WKYT’s Bill Bryant sat down with Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins on Monday for an interview with Kentucky Newsmakers about all things FCPS.
It began with a look ahead to a new year in Kentucky’s classrooms, as the first day of school for many FCPS schools is Wednesday, August 14. Liggins says this is a magical time of the school year, as students return to their seats and teachers get to train our next generation of workers and leaders.
“Summer requires a lot of preparation and being ready for them to come on day one,” said Dr. Liggins, who is now beginning his fourth year in the district’s role. “But once all that happens, school really starts.”
More than 42,000 students are spread across the county’s campuses, and Dr. Liggins points out that they are taught by a faculty that currently earns the highest starting salary in the state.
“It has really made a huge difference in our ability to attract and retain the best and brightest minds for our students,” said Dr. Liggins.
However, the district will continue to face challenges in the coming year, such as providing punctual transportation and combating chronic school absenteeism.
“So many industries have managed to put the pandemic behind them and move forward – that’s something we’re still struggling with,” Dr. Liggins said.
A new state law against truancy says school officials must file a complaint with district attorneys if a student is absent for 15 or more days without excuse. Dr. Liggins’ message to families?
“We want you in school now,” Dr. Liggins said. “If you’re healthy and doing well, we want you there.”
He also encourages parents to get involved – join local parent councils or support groups – and contribute to the prosperity of these academic communities throughout the year.
“If you really want to impact a child’s life, the child needs to know, the teacher needs to know and the family needs to know – we are our partners in this,” Dr. Liggins said.
The full interview with Dr. Liggins covers a number of other topics, including the recent controversies at Cassidy Elementary School and redistricting for the new Mary E. Britton Middle School. Catch the next edition of Kentucky Newsmakers this Sunday, August 18th at 10 a.m. on CW Lexington and 11:30 a.m. on WKYT.
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