Kentucky State Auditor Allison Ball announced this special examination and audit of FCPS on June 10, 2025 following a public upset over the projected $16 million budget deficit. Independently of this, Leigh Latherow has also conducted a policy investigation, and released her findings on February 9 of this year. Her investigation through VanAntwerp Attorneys found that Dr. Demetrius Liggins, FCPS Superintendent, violated board policy.
Latherow’s investigation focused on the leadership’s role in the budget crisis, and how a lack of oversight can create such an issue. According to the audit, Dr. Liggins failed to properly inform the school board of the budget shortfalls, as well as exercising proper oversight with the district’s finance and budgeting departments.
While initial findings suggested a $16 million deficit, new documents show a near $23 million overage in salary spending alone. In response, the district has implemented a hiring freeze for positions other than teachers and bus drivers.
On February 23, FCPS spent two hours in a closed executive session of their board meeting to discuss Latherow’s investigation and its findings. The meeting on March 4 is expected to continue this conversation as well as potential disciplinary actions for Dr. Liggins.
