News Summary
As the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board prepares to vote on Dr. Marie Feagins’ termination, community support has surged. Parents, teachers, and residents demonstrate their backing for the superintendent’s transformative efforts despite facing criticism and allegations. The upcoming board meeting is pivotal for the future of MSCS and its leadership.
Community Comes Together in Memphis: Support for Dr. Marie Feagins
As the clock ticks down to a crucial decision regarding the future of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), the support for Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins is palpable. With less than 24 hours left before the board votes on her potential termination, parents, teachers, and community members have rallied around her, demonstrating overwhelming backing for her leadership during her short tenure of just nine months.
Change is in the Air
When Dr. Feagins stepped into the role of Superintendent, she was seen as a much-needed change agent for MSCS. Parents and educators were looking for someone who could prioritize classroom investment and tackle the issues of corruption that have plagued the district. However, not everyone is singing her praisesโsome critics argue that Dr. Feagins made too many decisions on her own without consulting veteran educators or the school board. This has raised alarms about unchecked power being detrimental in a democratic setting.
A Chaotic Search for Leadership
The road to appointing Dr. Feagins was anything but smooth. The school board had spent nearly two years searching for a superintendent, which included a redo due to internal tensions. The process was so contentious that it even led to Vice-Chair Sheleah Harris resigning, citing a lack of transparency. Former board member Mauricio Calvo, who switched his vote to support Feagins after initially favoring another candidate, highlights the complexities that have enveloped this leadership search.
Decisions That Shook the District
In her quest to reshape the district, Dr. Feagins has made some significant waves. In the first 90 days alone, she cut over 1,100 jobs and canceled several key contracts, leading to heated discussions about the impact of these changes. Problems in the MSCS system were spotlighted during a particularly rowdy board meeting in December, where Southwind High Principal John Bush brought attention to critical issues.
Community Voices Emerge
The community has been vocal in their support for Dr. Feagins, even marching in her favor, signaling the appreciation many feel for her leadership style and initiatives, which include raising teacher pay and focusing on improving student performance. A recent survey conducted by the principal association indicates that while there may be dissatisfaction among some, interest in an interim superintendent should Feagins be removed is notable.
Allegations Stack Up
Despite this show of support, Dr. Feagins is not without her challenges. She faces allegations about improperly managing overtime payments and accepting donations without board approval. In response, Dr. Feagins has firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating that these claims are simply misrepresentations of the facts as they stand. Transparency and collaboration have been foundational to her defense, as she aims to dispel the narratives against her.
A Meeting with Major Implications
The MSCS school board meeting is slated for Tuesday, where various sessions will unfold. At 4 p.m., an executive session will commence, followed by a business meeting at 5:30 p.m. and a special meeting at 7 p.m. These sessions will ultimately decide Dr. Feaginsโ fate. Should she be terminated without cause, she would be entitled to a significant buyout of over $487,000, reflecting her annual salary of $325,000.
The Road Ahead
In the mix of opinions and tensions, State Representative G.A. Hardaway has approached the situation with a neutral perspective. However, he’s acknowledged the complexity underlying the issues at MSCS. As the community awaits the boardโs decision, the future of both Dr. Feagins and the direction of Memphis-Shelby County Schools hang in the balance, making the upcoming vote one to watch closely.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memphis School Board’s Decision on Superintendent’s Future
Turmoil in Memphis Education: Superintendent Feagins Under Scrutiny
Snow is Coming to Memphis: What You Need to Know!
Memphis Faces Superintendent’s Future Amid Community Drama
Shelby County DA Steve Mulroy Faces Investigation in Memphis
Memphis Community Divided Over Dr. Marie Feagins’ Leadership
Memphis Schools Superintendent Faces Termination Controversy
Memphis Schools Superintendent Faces Termination Challenges
No Confidence Vote Against School Board in Memphis
Commissioners Express No Confidence in Memphis School Leadership
Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Memphis-Shelby County Schools
- Daily Memphian
- Google Search: Memphis-Shelby County Schools superintendent
- Commercial Appeal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Superintendent
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Google News: Marie Feagins MSCS
- Action News 5 – Live Discussion
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.
