FCPS Drama Updates ...

 

It is finals week for me, so I've had less time for blogging until now while taking a short break.

FCPS has been desperately trying to stay out of the news, and yet they just can't help themselves - particularly Dr. Liggins himself. 

We have a new Athletic Director hired at UK, a gas leak at a retirement community sending 21 people to the hospital, and some tornadoes in the state -  and yet FCPS cannot help themselves from being front-and-center news every couple of days.

What's happened since my last post?

Again, I am posting only what has been publicly reported in the Lexington Herald Leader, with links to the LHL articles. 

For starters, Ann Sampson-Grimes - the FCPS budget director who was placed on unpaid leave without being given a reason, after she wrote Superintendent Liggins, Assistant Superintendent Barber, and CFO Jackson an email in mid-2025, warning them that the budget was in peril and would fall by 2026 if actions weren't taken (which it did) - has now filed a second lawsuit. 

The first lawsuit was filed under the Whistleblower Act against Dr. Liggins personally and the school board for retaliation, after being placed on unpaid leave after sending the budget warning emails.

(There has been some confusion in reporting regarding who was  named in her first lawsuit - which I posted - but apparently those  initial reports are incorrect - because I have since been able to find a copy of the actual lawsuit filed HERE - no mention of Dr. Barber OR CFO Jackson.)

Her second lawsuit was filed this week, when she returned to work, but found that she had been "reassigned," which was essentially a demotion and a pay cut; again, also without being given reason.

Dr. Liggins was already placed on paid leave when this occurred.

(Momentary Subjectivity: The belief is that there are still unqualified cronies - erm, I mean, enablers - erm, I mean, supporters in leadership about.) 

As for Dr. Liggins himself, his original attorney from Northern Kentucky, Charles Massey  - unknown if a relation to former US Representative Thomas Massey -  stated that Dr. Liggins claims that he did NOT slip the fake/forged attorney threat email under Adrielle Camuel's door that was caught ON video - and instead, claims he slipped her and other employees "encouraging notes."

Once again, Adrielle Camuel -  FCPS employee and Kentucky State Representative (D)  - previously had publicly published on social media her letter to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) signed by other Democratic lawmakers, regarding her concerns with Dr. Liggins, a copy of which you can see HERE, in my prior post. 

(FYI, Camuel and Liggins are both Democrats; thus, she felt it was important to notate that not all Democrats were turning a blind eye.)

Neither Camuel, nor anyone else at FCPS Central Office, has yet come forward with a copy of any "encouraging notes" slipped under their door.

Then today, a statement was sent to the FCPS School Board LHL from Dr. Liggins' apparently new attorney from Washington DC named Amos Jones, demanding Dr. Liggins' job back, claiming that like Ann Sampson-Grimes, he, too, was placed on leave "illegally" and to return his job to him within 4 days.

The School Board has responded that his being placed on leave was very legal and appropriate.

Just to note to distinguish between the 2 claims:

 Ann Sampson-Grimes was placed on unpaid leave without being given a reason, then demoted upon her return this past week with a pay cut, again without being given a reason.

(She believe it is retaliation for her warning letter regarding budget concerns in 2025).

Dr. Liggins was placed on paid leave due to pending investigation into the fake attorney threat to Adrielle Camuel -  a reason which was told to both him and the Lexington Herald Leader. 

Since Dr. Liggins is threatening to sue everybody and their brother - and likely will, if terminated (despite the school being essentially bankrupt now, taking out a multimillion dollar loan just to make payroll) - I have nothing further declare. 

Except to say if you can't smell the BS by now, I can't help you - AND are we sure Liggins' last name isn't actually Trump?  😂

PS - I will only add that I DO find it strange that it is 2 women that were retaliated against and threatened after whistleblowing - both of whom have provided proof (one on video) -  don't you?