News Summary
A legal battle is intensifying between former superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins and MSCS board member Towanna Murphy. Feagins has filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination and added defamation claims against Murphy. A recent court session revealed allegations of private discussions about Feagins’ termination, raising governance and transparency issues within the Memphis-Shelby County Schools system. As this legal controversy unfolds, the school district is facing operational challenges and a significant teacher shortage, along with transitions in early childhood educational management.
Memphis โ A legal dispute has escalated between former Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins and MSCS board member Towanna Murphy, with Feagins suing the board for wrongful termination after her contract was ended in January 2025. Recent developments in the case have included the addition of defamation allegations against Murphy, who is accused of making false accusations regarding forgery and theft involving Feagins.
A judge has allowed Feagins to amend her lawsuit to incorporate these defamation claims. The court hearing held on July 22, 2025, concentrated on allegations that board members violated public meeting laws by discussing Feagins’ termination in private sessions. Observers indicate that this legal battle has potentially far-reaching implications for governance within the MSCS system.
At the center of the dispute is Murphyโs alleged assertion that Feagins engaged in illegal activities. Feagins claims that Murphy’s comments during a December interview bolster her accusations of unlawful closed-door meetings among MSCS board members. As the lawsuit progresses, Murphy has refrained from making any public comments regarding the ongoing legal issues.
In an earlier development in June, Feagins’ lawsuit was revised to specifically name board member Murphy and incorporate claims of defamation pertinent to Murphy’s statements about theft and misconduct. The altercations surrounding Murphy have generated additional scrutiny, as she previously faced backlash for unprofessional social media remarks, including contentious threats about deportation and claims of past involvement in illegal activities tied to FedEx.
As this legal controversy unfolds, MSCS faces significant operational challenges, including a reported shortage of over 300 teaching positions as the beginning of the school year approaches. This situation has amplified the urgency for the board to resolve internal conflicts and refocus on urgent educational needs in the community.
In another noteworthy development, Memphis-Shelby County Schools announced that they would no longer oversee the local Head Start program, transferring management to Porter-Leath. This transition is expected to provide support for nearly 3,000 children with dedicated federal funding, indicating ongoing efforts to bolster early childhood education in the area as schools prepare to reopen.
As part of their preparations for the new school year, MSCS has reiterated calls for parents to ensure that their children are current on vaccinations. This public health initiative aims to ensure student health and safety as classes resume.
The court session on July 22 included testimonies from various witnesses, including Deidra Malone from the Carter Malone Group. Malone provided insights implicating school board members in controversial discussions about Feagins’ termination prior to any public meeting, raising additional questions regarding the transparency of board actions and governance practices.
As the case progresses, the judge has yet to issue a ruling on a preliminary injunction that would allow Feagins to be reinstated during the ongoing proceedings. This legal case, coupled with other recent controversies surrounding board members, continues to raise significant concerns about the governance of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools system and its ability to effectively manage pressing issues impacting educators and students alike.
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Additional Resources
- Fox13 Memphis: Judge Signs Off on Dr. Feagins’ Lawsuit
- Daily Memphian: Marie Feagins’ Deposition
- Commercial Appeal: Marie Feagins’ Lawsuit
- Wikipedia: Memphis-Shelby County Schools
- Action News 5: Feagins Testifies in Court
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.
