Lawsuit Sparks Controversy in Memphis Education System

News Summary

A lawsuit filed by former Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins against the Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education has ignited local political tensions. The lawsuit includes allegations of breaches of the Tennessee Open Meetings law and aggressive behavior from city officials. Feagins seeks to reverse her termination from the board in an action that raises important questions about transparency and governance in the educational system.

Drama Unfolds in Memphis with Former Superintendent’s Lawsuit

In a twist of events making waves around the city, former Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins has filed a lawsuit against the Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education, stirring the pot in local politics. This action highlights various allegations against city councilman JB Smiley Jr. about his defensive behavior during a series of phone conversations with Feagins.

A Look at the Allegations

The lawsuit raises eyebrows with claims of multiple breaches of the Tennessee Open Meetings law. Dr. Feagins asserts that after filing a protective order against Dow McVean Jr., a board member of the Peer Power Foundation, Smiley reached out to her with what she described as a troubling call. The content of that conversation allegedly included Smiley advising Feagins against filing the protective order, noting that his funders were not pleased with her decision.

Further drama ensues as the lawsuit claims McVean confronted Feagins in an aggressive manner related to a contract renewal play with Peer Power. According to Feagins, he cornered her and used profanity, which certainly doesn’t help the atmosphere of cooperation many hope to see in education.

Smiley’s Side of the Story

Meanwhile, councilman JB Smiley Jr. has publicly defended himself, stating that the depiction of their phone calls is misleading. He describes their conversations as generally one-sided, stating that Feagins was often frustrated and assertive. On August 8, 2024, Feagins reportedly made numerous attempts to contact Smiley, with a strong demand to speak to Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis.

When those attempts were met with difficulties, Smiley suggested other deputy chiefs as alternatives. The conversations reportedly reached a point where Feagins hung up on Smiley multiple times, highlighting the escalating tension. The next day, Smiley reached out to follow up, but Feagins expressed her disappointment with the response she had received from the police department.

The Fallout Begins

The saga did not end there. On September 10, 2024, Feagins chose to voluntarily dismiss the protective order against McVean. Following the dismissal, it became apparent that tensions were easing somewhat, as she texted Smiley to express her gratitude for his support.

Interestingly, amidst these swirling conflicts, McVean submitted an apology to Feagins, indicating that his passion for the city may have led him to act in ways that were less than constructive. Smiley highlighted that he has never had any direct encounter with McVean and that there have been no campaign contributions from him.

Seeking Justice, Not Monetary Gain

Dr. Feagins’ lawsuit isn’t about lining her pockets with financial support but primarily aims to reverse her termination from the school board. The board’s decision, rendered by a 6-3 vote, cited various contract violations, including issues around accepting donations and misleading the board regarding overtime and grant management.

This legal battle raises profound questions about the transparency of conduct within the Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education and the responsibilities of its board members. As the city watches this situation continue to develop, the landscape of local governance and education remains in the spotlight.

Conclusion: A Chapter Unfolding

As Memphis navigates this tumultuous chapter, many are left wondering what this means for the educational future and the integrity of its board. The unfolding story invites the community to reflect on how leaders engage with one another and maintain transparency and accountability. Only time will reveal the full implications of this lawsuit and its ripple effects across the city.

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Additional Resources

• Commercial Appeal: JB Smiley & Marie Feagins Lawsuit
• Fox13 Memphis: JB Smiley Responds to Feagins Lawsuit
• Action News 5: JB Smiley Refutes Claims in Superintendent’s Lawsuit
• Local Memphis: Dr. Marie Feagins Lawsuit Against MSCS
• Wikipedia: Open Meetings Law