Former Superintendent Sues MSCS Over Open Meetings Act Violations

News Summary

Dr. Marie Feagins, former superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, has filed a lawsuit against the MSCS Board for alleged violations of the Tennessee Open Meetings Act during her dismissal. The lawsuit claims secretive discussions and private meetings among board members, and Feagins seeks reinstatement, compensation for legal fees, and an injunction to enforce transparency in future board actions. This legal battle raises significant questions about governance practices in local education systems.

Former Superintendent Sues Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board Over Open Meetings Act Violations

In a surprising twist in Memphis, a legal battle has emerged involving Dr. Marie Feagins, the former superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS). She has officially filed a lawsuit against the MSCS Board of Education, claiming they have run afoul of the Tennessee Open Meetings Act during her controversial termination.

Allegations of Secrecy

The lawsuit suggests that the board held *private meetings* and discussed Dr. Feagins’ firing in secret, without the public being any the wiser. According to Feagins, this lack of transparency is not just an oversight; it’s a violation of laws designed to keep public discussions open and honest.

Documenting the timeline is crucial in this case, as Feagins claims the decision to terminate her had been made months prior to the public meeting where her dismissal was finalized on January 21. Specifically, she points to a timeline starting in August 2024 which she believes initiated her termination process, coinciding with the filing of an *order of protection* against board member Dow McVean.

Private Discussions and Messages

Court documents shed light on the board’s perceived covert activities. It is alleged that board members—both current and former—took part in private discussions revolving around Dr. Feagins’ job status. This supposedly occurred within the timeframe after Feagins filed the protection order, raising eyebrows and sparking further scrutiny.

Adding to the intrigue, there are claims that board members communicated about the termination via text messages during official board meetings. If proven, this indicates serious breaches of public trust and transparency, which are the very cornerstones of effective governance in community institutions.

What Does Feagins Want?

In light of the allegations, Dr. Feagins is seeking some serious remedies. She’s requesting that the vote to terminate her be cancelled, thereby reinstating her position. Alongside this, she’s also aiming for compensation to cover her attorney fees and other court-related costs that have arisen from this unexpected battle.

Furthermore, she is looking for an injunction that would mandate the board to strictly adhere to open meeting laws in the future, which would ensure that no other superintendent or board member finds themselves in a similar predicament.

Board’s Response and Context

As this legal drama unfolds, MSCS Board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman has expressed that while the board respects Feagins’ right to pursue legal action, they cannot comment on the specifics of the ongoing litigation. Member Michelle McKissack also stated that she did not participate in any of the alleged private discussions surrounding the firing.

Adding another layer to the story is the Peer Power Foundation, an organization that used to work closely with the school district. Following the recent *non-renewal* of their contract, they have redirected their efforts toward collaborating with local charter schools instead. McVean, a board member of the foundation, has indicated that neither he nor the foundation is involved in this lawsuit, and he clarified details surrounding the contract situation.

A Contract Cut Short

This legal struggle comes just after Feagins was let go, cutting her four-year contract short. The circumstances leading to her departure have prompted significant discussions within the community about governance practices and accountability in the education system.

As the case develops, the stakes are undoubtedly high for both Dr. Feagins and the MSCS Board. The outcome may not only reshape the future of Feagins but could also set important precedents for how school boards operate across Tennessee.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Memphis Schools Experience Leadership Changes Amid Accountability
Memphis Schools Face Major Changes Amid State Intervention
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Memphis School Board Dismisses Superintendent in Controversial Vote
Memphis Faces Legal Trouble Over Unpaid Contracts

Additional Resources

• Commercial Appeal
• Action News 5
• WREG News
• Local Memphis
• Fox 13 Memphis
• Wikipedia: Tennessee Open Meetings Act
• Google Search: Marie Feagins lawsuit
• Google Scholar: Marie Feagins Memphis
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Board Governance
• Google News: Feagins termination