New Frayser High School could be caught in MSCS crossfire
Jan 06, 2025
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- It's deadline day for Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins.
Her deadline was extended until Monday to respond to allegations made against her by the school board and whether her contract should be terminated.
As this debate continues, WREG was the first to tell you that the recently approved new Frayser High School could be caught in the crossfire.
All eyes are on the Board of Education offices as school board members await Dr. Feagins' response to allegations outlined in her removal resolution by the board.
MSCS board postpones vote on Feagins’ future until January
"Yes, that would be wise. The board voting (to postpone the vote on Dr. Feagins contract) on that last month and I'm waiting to hear a response from her lawyers and her," said MSCS school board member Stephanie Love.
Dr. Feagins' response is expected to address the following allegations:
Dr. Feagins misled the Board and public when she said the district had paid employees $1 million in overtime wages for time not worked
Dr. Feagins accepted a donation of more than $45,000 without board approval
Dr. Feagins was dishonest with the Board when she said federal grants were available for MSCS even though she "failed" to secure the funds before the required deadline
"I would like to hear what she got to say about those issues that was brought forward in that resolution," said Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell.
Last week, Dr. Feagins' attorney, Alan Crone, told WREG that the allegations against his client lack merit.
"These allegations are weak," Crone said. "They are vague."
Friday, on WREG News Channel Three at 3, Shelby County Commissioner Amber Mills said she would propose a vote of "no confidence" in the MSCS School Board for their attempt to fire Dr. Feagins and called for a 90-day moratorium on funding for the new Frayser High School.
County leader plans no-confidence vote against MSCS board, may hold funds for new Frayser school
"Another part of this that I plan to bring is a moratorium on the money that the county commission just awarded Memphis-Shelby County Schools - the additional funding for the Frayser High School," Mills said.
However, some say the new Frayser High School should not become collateral damage.
"I think it is very disheartening for the kids first," school board member Stephanie Love said. "The kids don't have anything to do with the adults."
"But whoever become our superintendent, we still that school need to be built," Caswell said. "Fact that children and families in that community are going to school right now in molded buildings and buildings without heat and air. We must do something different. We already voted to make that happen. We need to stay the course."
Commissioner Caswell said he believes county commissioners will continue to support the Frayser High School funding project and not hold it hostage.