
The tension permeating the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) community reached a critical point during a recent board meeting centered around the controversial possible ouster of Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins. The future of Feagins' position was openly debated following a no-confidence vote against the MSCS Board by county commissioners, as reported by Action News 5. According to their coverage, one public speaker asserted that the board had inflicted more harm in their moves to remove her than any alleged wrongdoings by Feagins herself.
Dr. Feagins, who is battling to retain her role as MSCS Superintendent, declared, "I'm at peace knowing that I was the right leader, at the right place, at the right time, and that changed everything," reinforcing her previous stance. Amidst this turmoil, the board contemplated an alternative to ending Feagins' contract at their Tuesday session, as mentioned by Action News 5. School Board Commissioner Amber Huett-Garcia proposed a resolution to extend Feagins' tenure, emphasizing the need for more time to fulfill her role effectively.
Huett-Garcia's resolution stands as a stark contrast to cries for Feagins' removal. The superintendent faced accusations of impropriety, including accepting a donation without board consent and missing crucial grant deadlines. Despite this, she found support from sections of the community, parents, and even the former Memphis Mayor, Willie Herenton, who reportedly attended the meeting to back her. Dr. Feagins responded to the allegations during a 45-minute speech, labeling the removal process as "flawed and unfair," as per FOX13 Memphis.
With genuine emotion on display, Dr. Feagins received a standing ovation from her supporters after she forcefully refuted the claims against her. Her father and former Memphis City Schools Superintendent Dr. Willie Herenton also bore witness to the spirited defense, present in a meeting that could set the trajectory for Feagins' future. Yet, school board members like Natalie McKinney and Towanna Murphy maintained their critical stance. "This is the second superintendent the school board may have to pay out half a million dollars to," Murphy told Action News 5, pointing to the financial implications of dismissing Feagins.
The upcoming vote, set for January 21, will likely be the decisive factor in whether Feagins will stay or be dismissed. While Huett-Garcia's resolution proposes a path to mend relations and retain Feagins, McKinney’s criticism, as noted by WREG, highlights administrative concerns that continue to challenge Feagins’ leadership. As the countdown to the vote continues, the MSCS board remains split, with some members like Murphy vowing that public pressure will not sway their commitment to their oath to safeguard the interests of children.