Community Rallies for Dr. Marie Feagins Amid School Uncertainty

Community members rallying for school leadership support

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 praises—some 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. Feagins’ 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 board’s 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.