Tonight, a growing number of state lawmakers are calling for the immediate resignation of Fayette County Public Schools top leaders.

Representative Matt Locke was the first to issue a statement today, saying it's time for Superintendent Demetrius Liggins and board Chair Tyler Murphy to step aside.

The Nicholasville Republicans district covers part of Fayette County.

He blames Liggins and Murphy of mismanaging the district's finances, creating a hostile administrative culture and lacking transparency.

In a statement, he calls the district, quote, a case study in dysfunction, controversy and collapsing confidence and quote.

Two Republican state senators have now joined Lockett in calling for resignations.

Senators Donald Douglas of Nicholasville and the Senate chair of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, Chris McDaniel.

And a letter Senator McDaniel says, quote, Fayette County Public Schools receives roughly $274 million each year in state support.

With that level of investment comes a duty to be open, careful and accountable.

Instead, the public has seen lavish travel spending, misleading budget numbers and even an unlawful tax increase attempt.

Taxpayers, parents and teachers deserve better, end quote.

The state's second largest public school district has been under scrutiny for months now after announcing a $16 million budget shortfall earlier this year.

Investigations into how the money was mismanaged are ongoing.

Just last week, Superintendent Liggins testified in Frankfort about the district's financial missteps.

Today, he's pushing back.

In a statement to Wkyt, he says, quote, I have publicly agreed that much of the criticism surrounding Fayette County Public Schools budget process has been warranted and taken responsibility for restoring community trust and quote.

He goes on to say, quote, I have no time for bullies and quote.