Students rally for their superintendent outside Bellevue Middle School.
Superintendent Marie Feagins of Memphis-Shelby County Schools is battling allegations of mismanagement while receiving strong backing from students, who staged protests in her favor. The situation arose during a board meeting where discussions about her future were abruptly cut off. As students rally around her initiatives, the board prepares for a decisive meeting on January 21, 2025, potentially impacting the district’s direction. Community members express concerns about the implications for student success amid the ongoing turmoil within the school administration.
In Memphis, tensions are rising within the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) as Superintendent Marie Feagins finds herself under fire from the school’s board. The drama unfolded during a recent committee meeting held on January 14, 2025, where Feagins took a stand against what she described as “false” allegations aimed at her leadership. She believes these accusations threaten to “divide a district that is on the rise.”
The committee meeting, which was unofficial in nature and didn’t allow for voting, was characterized by minimal discussion about Feagins’ future. Just as conversations were expected to heat up, Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman unexpectedly adjourned the meeting. However, one board member, Amber Huett-Garcia, took the opportunity to put forth a resolution advocating for Feagins’ retention. Huett-Garcia emphasized the need for improving working relationships within the board to address any ongoing “pain points.”
In a dramatic show of support, about 100 students from Bellevue Middle School staged a walkout in response to the school board’s discussions regarding Feagins’ potential firing. These students aimed to back their superintendent, applauding her initiatives, including the impactful Legacy Builders program. Student organizer Chayse Hawkins expressed that Feagins has had a “substantial” effect on their education, dubbing her a “super superintendent.”
Feagins has been proactive in addressing the various allegations levied against her, which included claims of mismanagement relating to overtime, accepting donations, and handling federal funds. During her defense, she underscored that her responses adhered strictly to the board’s established policies. Feagins highlighted how these accusations have felt like assaults on her character, integrity, and humanity, particularly noting that some claims have made references to a distressed employee.
In response to the ongoing turmoil, a Memphis state representative introduced a bill allowing for recall elections of school board members. The political atmosphere is charged with a growing rift between board members and the district’s administration. The board is slated to convene for further discussions and possible voting on Feagins’ termination at their next business meeting on January 21, 2025.
Shelby County Commissioner Natalie McKinney has voiced concerns regarding the broader implications of this conflict. She pointed out issues related to academic achievement, mismanagement, and resource gaps that have started to affect student success since Feagins took over as superintendent.
Despite the mounting pressures, Feagins remains steadfast in her commitment to advocating for the students and schools under her watch. She continues to focus on offering educational outcomes that have the potential to transform lives and uplift communities, signalling her readiness to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
The initial firing discussions stem from a contentious meeting in December 2024, which attracted noticeable public support for her leadership style. Feagins has rolled out numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing school operations, often in the face of criticism and controversy from board members.
While the committee meeting on January 14 was closed off to public comments, community protests have been vocal and clear in their message of support for Feagins. As the school board prepares for the upcoming meeting, the eyes of the community will remain on its actions, with many hoping for a decision that fosters unity and collaboration instead of division.
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