Liggins Fields Questions with Superintendent Award Finalists

District goals, career readiness, and financial management were among key topics addressed by AASA’s 2026 National Superintendent of the Year candidates as they reflected on the dynamic roles of superintendents, upcoming opportunities, and lessons learned. 

Fayette County’s Demetrus Liggins is in the running for this year’s award, which will be presented in mid-February in Nashville, Tennessee. He and three other finalists participated in an hour-long panel discussion Jan. 8 in Virginia, moderated by Education Week’s Caitlynn Peetz Stephens. Among Liggins’ thoughts:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – “We are focusing on AI as something that’s not going anywhere. I liken it to the internet, which changed education and how we operate as a whole,” Liggins said. “We’re making sure AI is used in a responsible manner. It’s something we can embrace, but we also have the guardrails.”

School Funding – Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) wants to ensure we receive quality state funding, especially amid federal cuts. Liggins suggested inviting Frankfort-based legislators and policymakers into our schools to show them how the money makes a difference for our children. 

Financial Management – Liggins acknowledged the budget-related challenges of the past year, saying, “I reorganized my personnel chart so finance (staff) are reporting directly to me now, and I have ongoing conversations with our financial people.” 

This Year’s Goal – “My particular goal is to continue to increase student outcomes while involving families and community in the success of their children,” he said.

Career Readiness – Liggins noted how high school students can choose career and technical education programs with industry certifications, and that FCPS tries to ensure families know about the non-college options, too. He also referenced the Elevate platform, which helps students in grades 6-12 explore their interests and chart their progress, as well as our district’s Portrait of a Graduate. “Getting prepared to go out into the real world starts when students enter kindergarten,” Liggins said. 

Student Voice – Liggins has a Superintendent’s Advisory Council with representatives from all our high schools and programs, each chosen for their leadership potential. “It really fills my bucket as I don’t get a lot of one-on-one relationships with students except in this group,” he said. The students brainstorm what’s going on in FCPS and suggest changes for their school or the district. “It’s critical for us to hear their voices,” Liggins said.

The national award, co-presented by AASA, Corebridge Financial, and Sourcewell, recognizes exceptional superintendents for their outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing public education in their communities. Along with Liggins, the other finalists are:

• Roosevelt Nivens, superintendent of Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, Texas      
• Heather Perry, superintendent of Gorham School Department, Maine
• Sonia Santelises, chief executive officer of Baltimore City Schools, Maryland