Demetrus Liggins began his career as a high school English and English as a Second Language teacher in Fresno, California, before moving back to Texas to serve as a dual language teacher and later an assistant principal in the Nacogdoches Independent School District. He also served as an elementary school principal in Corsicana Independent School District, a middle school principal in Lancaster Independent School District and in Mansfield Independent School District, and a high school principal in Grand Prairie Independent School District, where he later served as an area superintendent.

Just prior to joining FCPS, Liggins served for four years as superintendent of schools in Greenville Independent School District, an urban district of roughly 6,000 students outside of Dallas, Texas. Prior to his arrival, Greenville ISD had a “D” rating and faced fiscal challenges. Under his leadership, the district dramatically improved its academic and fiscal performance, earning a “B” overall, and a “Superior” rating for financial management from the Texas Education Agency.

Liggins, who is bilingual, led several innovative world language initiatives in Greenville, including a citywide literacy program in English and Spanish and a dual language program that created a pathway for students to learn academic content in both languages. Other programs initiated during Liggins’ tenure included an elementary STEM academy, an Early College High School where students concurrently earn a high school diploma and an associate degree, and a partnership with Texas A&M Commerce that provides a pathway to college for every Greenville ISD graduate and free tuition for students from low-income families.

In 2020, the National School Public Relations Association tapped Liggins as a Superintendent to Watch for his fast-paced leadership and strong communication skills. He was also spotlighted as an Inspiring Leader by the Texas Association of School Administrators and received the Phi Delta Kappa Distinguished Leadership Award for Texas A&M University Commerce in 2019.

Liggins served on the Texas Association of School Administrators’ Race, Equity, and Diversity committee, and was one of five finalists statewide for the prestigious H-E-B Outstanding School Board award.  He also completed the American Association of School Administrators National Superintendent Certification Program in 2020, as one of only three Texas superintendents in his cohort.

A native of Longview, Texas, Liggins holds a bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in English from California State University in Fresno, a master’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a doctorate degree in K-16 educational leadership and policy from the University of Texas-Arlington.

Throughout his career, Liggins has developed a reputation for having high expectations for success resulting in stellar results and for being passionate about reaching youth and providing an environment for students to thrive in school and in life. He is known for investing in his colleagues and his profession, and he is a frequent presenter at professional conferences and a mentor to dozens of educators.

Liggins is the proud father of one son, Vaughn, an airman in the U.S. Air Force.