Fayette County Public Schools is under new leadership.

Former Superintendent Demetrius Liggins was placed on administrative leave last week following financial turmoil in the district.

Our Emily Prince heard from the new acting superintendent today, and asked how he plans to help turn the school system around.

Acting superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools doctor Bill Bradford addressed the media today.

He told me he feels the district's two greatest challenges are its fiscal health, but also its culture.

He explained how he hopes to tackle those issues.

That's something that was really important to me, is that I become as fluent in budget management in of our current budget standings, as is the CFO.

The acting superintendent pledging to spend a considerable amount of time with the district's interim chief financial officer.

Last year, Fayette County Public Schools revealed a $16 million budget deficit.

Since then, the district has cut more than 100 jobs.

Our school system is exceptional.

I understand that there have been distractions as of late that have caught attention.

That doesn't demonstrate exceptionality.

One of those distractions could be the behavior of Superintendent Demetrius Liggins.

Liggins, who has been in the hot seat due to the district's finances, sent an email to the Fayette County Board of Education saying he was ready to leave his job, but then said he was not resigning.

Liggins has since been placed on paid administrative leave.

Tuesday's media briefing did not allow for any questions about personnel other than Bradford.

It's extremely important to me that we refresh the sense of value that Fairley County Public Schools has for the community of Lexington, and within Fayette County, Bradford said.

His professional experience sets him up for success in this new position.

He began his career within FcPS working as a high school Spanish teacher.

Bradford then advanced to principal and assistant superintendent positions in Northern Kentucky before returning to Fayette County.

He has served as assistant superintendent in the district since 2024.

Bradford said his focus is to build back trust with people across Fayette County, as well as state legislators.

Being as visible as I can in places where I can develop what I mentioned before, which are those relationships?

I asked Doctor Bradford if he'd be interested in being considered for the permanent superintendent position.

He said right now he's only focused on the role at hand, but he would make that decision as time goes on.

For Kentucky Edition, I'm Emily Prince.

Bradford said the school board will meet next week, and his team will present a financial report of the district at that time.