In a contentious decision followed by community uproar, the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) board terminated the contract of Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins, who has helmed the district for just nine months. In a split 6-3 vote yesterday, the board ended Feagins' tenure and appointed Dr. Roderick Richmond as interim superintendent, as Action News 5 and FOX13 report.
Dr. Feagins contested her ousting, affirming, "I think this is exactly the opposite of what you desire to see in any organization," and promised litigation, stating, "I’ll see them in court," according to both news sources. The vote followed a public, four-hour debate that saw staunch support from the community, teachers, and officials, including State Rep. Justin J. Pearson. Pearson criticized the board, proclaiming, "We have a responsibility as a community to respond," and highlighted a bill for recall elections, as featured in the FOX13 coverage.
The resolution to remove Dr. Feagins came after a report by outside counsel affirmed the allegations made by the board against her. The meeting to decide Dr. Feagins' fate began after a regular board session and an executive meeting that discussed the superintendent, the Commercial Appeal disclosed. Dr. Angela Whitelaw was also up for the interim role. Still, she withdrew her candidacy, leaving Richmond, a longstanding educational leader, to be voted in with 7 in favor, while two members voted as present.
Richmond expressed his gratitude for the appointment, "I am surprised yet honored to be offered this opportunity to serve," as noted by Action News 5. He previously served as MSCS Chief Academic Officer and was instrumental during the SCS and MCS merger. Under his tenure, the district achieved important educational milestones, such as the 'Level 5' rating for student growth by the State of Tennessee. Vice Chair Stephanie Love endorsed Richmond's experience, stating, "Dr. Richmond is uniquely qualified to guide us forward." Richmond's transition comes amid community tensions and concerns about school governance expressed by public figures, including County Commissioner Britney Thornton, who questioned the board's accountability to the public voice.
