Former Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins Addresses Supporters

Community members gathered in support of education leaders

News Summary

Marie Feagins, the former superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, held her first public appearance since her termination, expressing resilience and urging community members to advocate for change. Dismissed in January 2025, she has filed a lawsuit against the school board for alleged violations of open meeting laws. The community has shown strong support for her reinstatement, highlighting concerns over the district’s instability following her departure. Feagins emphasized the need for collective resilience and commitment in addressing education system challenges amidst ongoing legal disputes.

MEMPHIS – Former Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins made her first public appearance since her termination and subsequent legal actions, during an interview with former CNN anchor Brooke Baldwin on April 30. The event drew supporters who witnessed Feagins’ message of resilience and encouragement amidst her ongoing struggle with the school board.

Feagins, who was dismissed from her role in January 2025, has since filed a lawsuit against the board, alleging violations of open meeting laws that occurred during the decisions leading to her termination. She claims certain board members participated in secret meetings, which undermined transparency during her dismissal process. During the gathering, Feagins urged her supporters to overcome their fears and emphasized the necessity of leadership in challenging situations.

In addition to her lawsuit, Feagins was celebrated as one of the 2025 Black History Month Honorees by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, recognizing her contributions during her short tenure. The community’s response to her termination has been robust, with public figures and students expressing their support for Feagins, including coordinated walkouts advocating for her reinstatement before her lawsuit was filed. This significant display of community support illustrates the level of instability and concern within the district following her abrupt departure.

The void left by Feagins’ dismissal prompted the school board to appoint Roderick Richmond as the interim superintendent. However, many community leaders have expressed fears about increasing instability within the school district, which could potentially lead to state intervention. The state lawmakers are currently considering taking control of the district due to the challenges of governance that have arisen from the events surrounding Feagins’ removal.

Feagins has characterized the accusations against her, which include claims of mismanagement and misleading the board, as unfounded and meritless. Her supporters believe that the dismissal was not only unwarranted but also damaging to the overall trust in the Memphis-Shelby County Schools system. They stress the importance of stability in school leadership to rebuild the damaged trust between the community and the school district.

During her address, Feagins acknowledged the precarious position of the school district, affirming that the path forward will require collective resilience and commitment from all stakeholders involved. She encouraged attendees to remain steadfast in advocating for positive change within the education system.

As the landscape of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools continues to evolve amid the legal disputes and community unrest, Feagins’ case highlights underlying issues regarding accountability and transparency in local governance. The development of her lawsuit and its implications for the district will be closely monitored by both advocates and policymakers alike.

The situation remains fluid as the legal proceedings unfold, and the community’s response reflects a pressing need for dialogue and resolutions that align with the best interests of students and educators within the district.