Jan 14, 2025
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins provided a fiery response to allegations by the school board in an evaluation committee meeting Tuesday. Feagins on Tuesday called the accusations false and said there was a coordinated attack against her. "I want to be unequivocally clear. These claims are false," Feagins said, reading a written refutation of the allegations in front of the board. The meeting was then adjourned. In December, the school board accused Dr. Feagins of the following infractions: Misleading the Board and public when she said the district had paid employees $1 million in overtime wages for time not worked Accepting a donation of more than $45,000 without board approval Being 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 MSCS board postpones vote on Feagins’ future until January The MSCS board is considering a vote on a resolution introduced in December that would terminate its contract with Feagins after less than a year on the job. But that vote has stirred an uproar among parents, teachers and community members who support the work Feagins is doing. That prompted the board to postpone the vote from Dec. 17 until this month. "I mean, they crucified this lady," supporter Sara Carpenter said. "The only thing that really made me so sad is that her dad had to sit there and listen to them doing his child like that." So, when the board convened on Tuesday, it was a packed house with people inside and outside echoing their support for Dr. Feagins. Even former mayor Willie Herenton was in attendance showing his support. Supporters of Dr. Marie Feagins outside of the school board meeting. The general counsel said after Tuesday's meeting, board members are going to have a decision to make because now there's a new resolution to retain the superintendent. "I want to lay out a path of redemption for this board," school board member Amber Huett-Garcia said. "Because this superintendent has indicated she wants to continue in the job." However, other school board members like Natalie McKinney are still considering terminating Feagins. "It is with this commitment that I raise these concerns and advocate for a leadership approach that truly meets the district's needs of our district," McKinney said. Board members said after Tuesday night's meeting, they need the public's help. School board members could face recall with newly proposed bill "It's going to take some humility," board member Michelle Robinson-McKissick said. "It's going to take saying, 'I'm sorry' which is the hardest thing to say no matter who you are, but that's our job as elected officials." However, other board members said it would be an uphill battle to change their minds on wanting to terminate the superintendent's contract. "The public pressure will not change my vote because I took an oath and that vote is to protect our children," board member Towanna Murphy said. Now, the board has to decide if they want to vote on a termination resolution or substitute that for a different resolution to keep Dr. Feagins. They are set to make their decision next week.
Respond, make new discussions, see other discussions and customize your news...

To add this website to your home screen:

1. Tap tutorialsPoint

2. Select 'Add to Home screen' or 'Install app'.

3. Follow the on-scrren instructions.

Feedback
FAQ
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service