Memphis, TN, August 12, 2025

News Summary

A Shelby County judge has rejected the reinstatement request of Dr. Marie Feagins as superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. The ruling from Judge Robert L. Childers highlighted a lack of evidence for claims of procedural violations by the school board during her termination. Despite the ruling, Dr. Feagins retains the option to pursue further legal action if new evidence arises. The case has stirred discussions on the transparency and governance practices within public education in Memphis.

Memphis, Tennessee – Judge Denies former MSCS Superintendent’s Reinstatement Request

A Shelby County Circuit Court judge has decided against reinstating Dr. Marie Feagins as the superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS). This ruling was delivered by Judge Robert L. Childers on July 22, 2025, following a court hearing where Dr. Feagins presented three witnesses to support her claim.

The MSCS Board made the significant decision to terminate Dr. Feagins’ contract on January 21, 2025. In her request for a preliminary injunction aimed at reversing this dismissal, Feagins accused board members of violating Tennessee’s Open Meetings Act by engaging in clandestine discussions prior to her termination.

During the court proceedings, the judge cited insufficient evidence to indicate that Dr. Feagins would likely succeed in a full evidentiary hearing concerning her claims of impropriety. It was noted that the loss of employment and income does not equate to “irreparable harm” that would warrant the issuance of a temporary injunction under Tennessee law.

The judge further clarified that the damage to Dr. Feagins’ reputation occurred the day her termination was announced, and reinstating her position could likely create additional disruption within the school district. Despite this ruling, the court has allowed for the possibility of Dr. Feagins pursuing a permanent injunction if she can substantiate her claims that the MSCS Board violated the Public Meetings Act.

Background on Marie Feagins’ Tenure and Dismissal

Dr. Marie Feagins served as the superintendent of MSCS, overseeing the education of thousands of students across the district. Her termination on January 21, 2025, raised questions about governance practices within the school board and adherence to state laws regarding public meetings.

Feagins alleged that board members conducted private meetings and communicated electronically about matters related to her employment without following legally prescribed protocols. This alleged lack of transparency could undermine the public trust essential for the operation of educational institutions. Recent years have seen increasing scrutiny on educational governance, highlighting the importance of compliance with laws designed to ensure accountability and transparency.

The case has drawn attention not only because of Feagins’ position but also due to the implications for the governance of public schools in the Memphis area. As the ruling unfolds, it could set a significant precedent regarding the operations of school boards in Tennessee.

Future Actions

While Dr. Feagins currently faces setbacks in her pursuit to reclaim her job, the judge’s ruling does not entirely close the door on her legal options. If new evidence can be produced that effectively demonstrates a breach of the Public Meetings Act, including unlawful gatherings or communications by the board members leading to her dismissal, the possibility of a permanent injunction remains open.

The MSCS community continues to monitor the situation closely, with many stakeholders expressing concerns about leadership stability during this critical educational period.

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Additional Resources

• Commercial Appeal
• Wikipedia: Memphis-Shelby County Schools
• WREG News
• Google Search: Marie Feagins
• Action News 5
• Google Scholar: Marie Feagins lawsuit
• Fox 13 Memphis
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public education governance
• Hoodline
• Google News: Memphis school board governance

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 area—with 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.