News Summary
Former Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins is suing the school board for wrongful termination. She alleges that the board violated the Tennessee Open Meetings Act during her dismissal discussions. Dr. Feagins claims she received no negative evaluations and that the board’s actions have harmed her reputation and finances. Meanwhile, the district struggles with over 300 teacher vacancies as it navigates leadership changes and challenges. The outcome of the lawsuit could significantly impact the school board’s governance.
Memphis
Former Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins is pursuing a lawsuit against the school board for wrongful termination after her firing in January. Dr. Feagins claims in court that the board violated the Tennessee Open Meetings Act by allegedly conducting secret discussions regarding her dismissal. During the court hearing, her case was bolstered by the judge allowing her to amend the lawsuit to include a defamation claim against board member Towanna Murphy, who allegedly accused Dr. Feagins of forgery and grand theft auto.
Dr. Feagins testified that she received no negative evaluations leading to her termination and only learned of her firing through a text message from a board member in October. Witnesses in the court supported Dr. Feagins’ narrative, claiming that discussions about her firing were planned in confidential meetings before the boardโs public vote. This testimony contradicts the school boardโs argument for the termination, which highlighted multiple alleged violations of Dr. Feagins’ employment contract.
The school board voted 6-3 to remove Dr. Feagins, citing her violations as the reason for her dismissal. However, she disputes these claims, arguing that they have significantly harmed her professional reputation and caused financial strain. The Shelby County Commission previously expressed a lack of confidence in the boardโs decision following her firing, shedding light on the internal issues within the school governance.
As the district grapples with internal turmoil, Roderick Richmond has been appointed as the interim superintendent following Dr. Feagins’ termination. He has since been awarded an 18-month contract by the board, suggesting a swift transition of leadership that may not resolve the underlying controversies.
In related developments, Memphis-Shelby County Schools faces serious challenges as the upcoming school year approaches, with over 300 teacher vacancies reported. The district is under pressure to address this staffing crisis while navigating the fallout from the leadership changes and controversies surrounding Dr. Feagins’ termination.
As the legal proceedings continue, the judge has not issued an immediate ruling on an injunction that would reinstate Dr. Feagins as superintendent, leaving the future of MSCS leadership in a state of uncertainty. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant repercussions for the school board and its governance processes.
Dr. Feagins’ case highlights broader concerns regarding accountability and transparency within educational leadership in the Memphis area. As the district plans for the new school year amidst staffing shortages and administrative upheaval, the community is watching closely, awaiting resolution to both the lawsuit and the challenges facing the school system.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Memphis Shelby County Schools
- Action News 5
- Google Search: Marie Feagins lawsuit
- Local Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WREG News
- Google News: Memphis education leadership
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
