News Summary
Dr. Marie Feagins has filed a lawsuit against Memphis-Shelby County Schools after her termination as superintendent, alleging that board members conspired in secret to dismiss her. The lawsuit claims violations of open meetings laws and seeks her reinstatement. Controversial comments by board member Towanna Murphy are cited as evidence of collusion. The case raises concerns about transparency and the governance of the school district, with legal proceedings expected to unfold in July.
Memphis, TN – Dr. Marie Feagins has initiated a lawsuit against Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) in February 2025, following her termination as superintendent. The lawsuit alleges that several school board members conspired in secret to arrange her dismissal, which she claims violated open meetings laws. As part of her legal efforts, Feagins aims to be reinstated to her position while the case is pending.
The initial termination occurred during a board vote on January 21, 2025, which Feagins is now seeking to overturn through a motion for a preliminary injunction. This injunction aims to nullify the board’s decision, allowing for her continued tenure as superintendent during the lawsuit process.
Feagins asserts that the board members failed to provide her an adequate opportunity to respond to the allegations made against her prior to the vote on her termination. Notably, board member Towanna Murphy’s comments made during an interview are highlighted as pivotal evidence. These remarks suggested that discussions about Feagins’ role were conducted behind closed doors, indicating potential collusion among board members.
In her lawsuit, Feagins contends that the conspiracy against her began soon after her appointment as superintendent in August 2024. She claims Murphy spread false accusations which damaged her professional reputation and constituted a concerted effort to undermine her character.
The lawsuit demands $487,500 in damages, in addition to eighteen months of her employment benefits, as an alternative to the reinstatement request. It remains to be seen how MSCS will respond to these allegations, as the school district has denied claims of unfair dismissal and has not yet filed a formal answer to the injunction request.
Legal proceedings are expected to progress in July 2025, with both parties scheduled to appear in court at that time. This case has raised concerns regarding transparency and governance within the MSCS board, should the claims of secret meetings and improper handling of Feagins’ termination be validated.
The background surrounding Feagins’ tenure as superintendent and the subsequent fallout highlights the challenges faced by school administrators. Feagins was appointed to lead the district in a period marked by increasing demands for educational reforms and effective leadership. Her abrupt termination raises questions about the decision-making process employed by the board of education, particularly in how personnel matters are handled.
As the court date approaches, both the legal implications and the educational environment within the Memphis-Shelby County Schools system will draw attention from stakeholders, including parents, students, and educators. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant ramifications for school governance and the accountability of board members within the district.
This case underscores the complexities of leadership in educational settings and the importance of transparent processes in making personnel decisions that impact the educational community. With the legal system set to intervene, the proceedings will likely illuminate not only the specifics of Dr. Feagins’ situation but also broader issues within the governance of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis: Feagins’ Motions for Reinstatement
- K-12 Dive: Tennessee’s Largest School District Sues PowerSchool
- WREG: Feagins Seeks Injunction Against School Board
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education Governance
- Action News 5: MSCS Supt. Amends Suit Against School Board
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF 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.
