Challenges and Triumphs for Memphis School Superintendent
MEMPHIS, Tenn. โ The first six months on the job have been nothing short of a whirlwind for Dr. Marie Feagins, the new school superintendent. This week, she faced a monthly report presentation that brought forth a mix of both challenges and victories. During Tuesday nightโs school board meeting, an emotional moment arose when a board member asked Feagins what she felt most proud of during her time in this role. With heartfelt sincerity, she responded, โPeople, leaders who keep showing up every day committed to something they canโt see. Doing this work, I didnโt do it for thanks or applause when you canโt always show whatโs happening behind closed doors, the unseen things.โ
As Dr. Feagins gears up for her performance evaluation, her journey has not been without its bumps in the road. Just last week, Camalyn Turner, her Special Assistant who was hired to help her navigate this new landscape, suddenly resigned. Furthermore, earlier in August, George Harris, the executive director of safety and security, left his position citing personal reasons. Adding to the mix are two former school board members who recently expressed doubts about the decision to appoint Dr. Feagins as superintendent.
Despite the challenges, many current members of the board have stepped up to show their support for Feagins. Michelle McKissack, a board member, shared a motivational perspective on the difficulties faced by the district: โWhen you are taking so many hits and punches, at the same time there are a lot of things to celebrate in our district as we continue to work.โ This notion of resilience seems to be a recurring theme as the school district pushes forward.
Capital Improvement Projects on the Horizon
On the administrative front, Dr. Feagins shed light on an extensive list of capital improvement projects that are currently in motion. There are more than 70 projects aimed at enhancing the schools within the district, which includes close to a dozen upgrades to HVAC systems. As the seasons change, Dr. Feagins explained, โAt this point, weโre monitoring as the season starts to shift and not just thinking HVAC anymore, but our heating system.โ
The superintendent also addressed critical health concerns, particularly those related to mold and asbestos. These issues are being prioritized and tackled head-on to ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff. Clearly, Dr. Feagins is working diligently to foster a healthier atmosphere in the schools.
A Positive Outlook Amidst a Storm
As Dr. Feagins prepares for her upcoming evaluation, the board is expected to grant final approval on the measures next week. Despite the challenges, itโs clear that she is dedicated to maintaining a positive outlook. โWe are counting on commitment and resilience in the face of adversity,โ Dr. Feagins stated, conveying a sense of determination that resonates with both current board members and school staff.
In summary, while Dr. Feagins has encountered some turbulence in her short tenure as superintendent, she remains committed to making worthwhile changes within the Memphis school district. With ongoing projects and support from many board members, she just might steer the district towards a brighter future. It’s a journey thatโs just begun, and many in the community are looking forward to whatโs next.
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.
