MSCS could name interim superintendent Tuesday if Feagins is fired
Jan 21, 2025
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Later this evening, we could know if Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins will remain on the job or be given the axe by the school board.
By a very slim margin, Dr. Feagins survived an ouster vote back in December.
Now, new details are emerging about why some board members and educators want the school leader, who has community support and the backing of some state lawmakers to be fired.
John Bush, the President of the Memphis Shelby County Principals Association expressed concerns back in December.
"As principals, we are on the frontlines and our focus remains clear to ensure that our schools have the resources, support and guidance they need to serve our students effectively," Bush said.
WREG was the first to tell you that the principal's association sent out a survey asking school principals who they'd like the school board to appoint as interim superintendent to finish the school year if Dr. Feagins is fired.
We're now learning that 98 percent of the principals reportedly said they want Feagins' contract to be terminated.
MSCS board set to vote on Dr. Feagins’ future Tuesday
"However, we have encountered challenges to make this work more difficult than it needs to be," Bush said.
Some board members have called Dr. Feagins' tenure a pattern of "failed leadership", especially for the following infractions:
Student achievement and graduation issues
Inadequate staffing concerns and dismantling of student support systems
A pattern of mismanagement
Failing to follow policy and employment contract terms
Insubordination
Lack of transparency
"This is the situation we're faced with today where leadership failures have jeopardized the stability and progress of our district," MSCS school board member Natalie McKinney said.
However, Dr. Feagins and her school board supporters call the allegations false, divisive and unjustified.
"I want to be unequivocally clear, these claims are false," Dr. Feagins said.
"I stand firm in giving more time to Dr. Feagins," MSCS school board member Amber Huett-Garcia said.
School board may name interim superintendent after Feagins vote
As for the school board meeting itself, WREG has learned the board's general counsel is not expected to make a report but the board could request that its external counsel layout allegations against Dr. Feagins that some sources say are potentially damaging.
According to the board's agenda, if necessary, the board could also select an interim superintendent after deciding if Dr. Feagins will keep her job.
All of this as the community, educators and state lawmakers will be watching.
"A yes vote to terminate my contract will not be grounded in the merit of these claims and any other," Dr. Feagins said. "It will signify that this is and always has been about something else."
Back in December, five of the nine school board members supported firing Dr. Feagins but board members voted to postpone the discussion until this month to allow for more deliberation and a response from the superintendent.