MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A defiant MSCS school superintendent got a chance to have her say Tuesday night as the school board for the first time gave the public more insight as to why they say she should be fired. Some board members are finally saying publicly why they believe Dr. Marie Feagins should be terminated, while others say she's still the right person for the job. In a fiery response to claims of wrongdoing, MSCS Superintendent Feagins called accusations against her from the school board false and divisive. "Any suggestion of inappropriate conduct on my part is not only untrue, but malicious," she said. "The months leading to the December 17, 2024 and now to this evening have been fundamentally flawed and carried out with a deep commitment by many current and former board members to publicly shame me, to create a hostile environment and cause public distrust at every turn of my tenure and to divide a district that's on the rise." Feagins fires back in response to school board allegations Some school board members showed their support for the embattled superintendent. Amber Huett-Garcia, who has a resolution to retain the superintendent, and Michelle McKissack expressed why they think board should slow down and rethink its decision. "I want to lay out a path of redemption for this board because the superintendent has indicated she wants to continue in the job," Huett-Garcia said. "Give the community a chance. Give the superintendent time," McKissack said. But other board members countered with what they call a pattern of failed leadership. I am deeply concerned about the immediate and tangible impacts of student achievement and graduation readiness caused by leadership shortcomings," said Natalie McKinney. In perhaps the first detailed glimpse at a possible cause to terminate, McKinney outlined several areas of concern in a statement released Tuesday:- Student achievement and graduation issues- Inadequate staffing concerns and dismantling of student support systems withoutclear plans or internal controls- A pattern of mismanagement and failing to follow policy and employment contractterms, insubordination and lack of transparency. She continued, "Delays in approving essential contracts left teachers and principals without the resources they needed to effectively deliver instruction. ... The superintendent's micro-management of overtime policies further disrupted operations contributing to first day of school HVAC failures and other systemic issues." Apparently, some of those issues echoed by some school principals who are members of the MSCS Principal Association. Retiring judge to preside over Veteran’s Court graduation As for School Board Chair Joyce Dorse-Coleman's termination resolution, it claims Dr. Feagins should be terminated for cause, without any pay. However, If the board fires the superintendent without cause, she'll be paid more than $487,000 severance. For now, school board members are preparing for their next meeting as Dr. Feagins remains defiant. "I am at peace knowing that I was the right leader at the right place at the right time and that changed everything," she said. The MSCS board is not set to vote on Dr. Feagins' status as superintendent until a board business meeting on Jan. 21.