Memphis, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Marie Feagins, the former superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, has filed a lawsuit alleging violations of Tennesseeโs Open Meetings Act following her termination. Feagins claims board members conducted secret meetings regarding her firing. The court has addressed motions from both sides, and although a preliminary injunction for her reinstatement was denied, she has been allowed to add defamation claims against a board member. Further court proceedings are scheduled for July.
Memphis
Marie Feagins, the former superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), was fired on January 21, 2025. Just days after her dismissal, Feagins filed a lawsuit against the school district, alleging that board members violated Tennesseeโs Open Meetings Act.
Feagins contends that the MSCS board held secret meetings and informal gatherings to discuss her ouster, which were not open to the public. During a court hearing on October 23, 2025, Shelby County Circuit Judge Chris Frulla emphasized the need for both parties to communicate more effectively and expedite the discovery process. In these proceedings, Feagins filed a motion to compel specific evidence from the school district.
The school district sought a protective order to limit the disclosure of certain information; however, both the motion to compel and the protective order became moot as some of the requested evidence was provided during the hearing. Jarrett Spence, representing the school district, shared some relevant documents with Feagins’ attorney, William Wooten. Despite this exchange, Feagins requested a preliminary injunction to reinstate her as superintendent while the lawsuit is ongoing.
Judge Robert L. Childers denied Feaginsโ request for an injunction, indicating that there were insufficient factors to justify overturning her dismissal. Additionally, board member Towanna Murphy made statements regarding the board’s decision that Feagins claims support her allegations of secret meetings. Conversely, the MSCS board maintains that Feagins’ termination was justified due to violations of her employment contract.
The school district has yet to respond to Feagins’ request for an injunction. In a July 22, 2025, hearing, Judge Childers allowed Feagins to amend her legal complaint to include defamation claims against board member Murphy. Witness testimony, including Feagins’, was presented during this hearing. A ruling regarding the preliminary injunction is expected soon.
Both parties are scheduled to return to court in July for further proceedings.
Key Events Timeline
- January 21, 2025: Marie Feagins is fired as superintendent.
- January 2025: Feagins files lawsuit against MSCS.
- October 23, 2025: Court hearing with Judge Chris Frulla.
- July 22, 2025: Feagins allowed to amend her complaint.
- Expected: Ruling on preliminary injunction soon; court returns in July for further proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marie Feagins suing the MSCS for?
Feagins is suing the school district, claiming that board members violated Tennesseeโs Open Meetings Act by holding secret meetings and informal gatherings to discuss her ouster.
When was Feagins fired from MSCS?
Marie Feagins was fired on January 21, 2025.
What did Judge Childers decide about Feaginsโ request for an injunction?
Judge Robert L. Childers denied Feaginsโ request for an injunction, stating that there were not enough appropriate factors to justify overturning her firing.
What additional claims did Feagins add to her lawsuit?
Feagins added defamation claims against board member Towanna Murphy to her legal complaint during a hearing on July 22, 2025.
When are both parties expected to return to court?
Both parties are expected to return to court in July for further proceedings.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: Hearing for Marie Feagins’ Lawsuit
- Action News 5: Judge Denies Ousted MSCS Supt’s Motion to Overturn Firing
- Fox 13 Memphis: Dr. Marie Feagins Motions for Reinstatement as MSCS Superintendent
- Commercial Appeal: Marie Feagins Lawsuit Against MSCS
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Open Meetings Act
- Google Search: Marie Feagins
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.
