Concerns Rise Around Memphis School Superintendent’s Leadership
In Memphis, Tennessee, there is a growing buzz of concern regarding the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins. Recently, Rev. Althea Greene, the former head of the Memphis Shelby County Schools Board, voiced her concerns in a memo addressed to current board members. Her memo coincides with the board’s ongoing evaluation of Dr. Feagins’ first six months in the position, and it has sparked a wider discussion about the effectiveness of her leadership.
Voices of Concern
In her memo, Rev. Greene didn’t hold back. She candidly stated, “it was a mistake” to hire Dr. Feagins. This sentiment isn’t just isolated to Greene; former board member Mauricio Calvo also chimed in with his worries, stating he believed Dr. Feagins was the “least qualified candidate” for the role. He even went so far as to say that her actions since she took the reins highlighted a significant lack of experience as a leader.
Rev. Greene criticized the board’s decision to bring Dr. Feagins in without a proper transition period. “I think we basically gave somebody the keys to drive a new car without driver’s lessons,” she expressed. The interim superintendent, Toni Williams, had not been involved in ensuring a smooth shift, something Greene feels should have been prioritized.
Communication and Transparency Issues
Another major point of contention seems to be Dr. Feagins’ approach to communication regarding crucial staffing and financial decisions. Rev. Greene pointed out that Dr. Feagins reached out to both Mayor Paul Young and Mayor Lee Harris for additional funding without discussing such matters with the school board first. This has raised eyebrows among board members and community advocates alike, prompting discussions about the level of transparency within the school administration.
Even more alarming is Calvo’s report about the atmosphere within the district. He noted a troubling climate of fear, saying, “people are afraid to speak up because they’re afraid of losing their job.” This revelation raises significant questions about the work environment for staff and educators under Dr. Feagins’ leadership.
Dr. Feagins’ Restructuring Plan
Part of Dr. Feagins’ plan involved a bold restructuring that led to numerous layoffs, including those in key executive positions, all in an effort to redirect resources back into classrooms. While some see this effort as necessary, others, like Calvo, argue that it has resulted in a loss of invaluable institutional knowledge within the district.
Support for Dr. Feagins
In a contrasting viewpoint, Dianechia Fields, the Director of Operations at the parent advocacy group Memphis Lift, believes that the board should allow Dr. Feagins more time to implement her vision for the district. Fields stated, “Dr. Feagins is the change that we need,” emphasizing that her implementation plans came with enthusiastic backing initially. “She gave you the plan of what she would do. And she got glowing reviews. So now why is it a problem that she’s doing it?”
A Call for Caution
As the board approaches the evaluation of Dr. Feagins’ tenure, both Greene and Calvo are urging a cautious approach. Greene posed a poignant question: “Are we really doing and making decisions that are best for children?” underscoring the idea that above all else, children’s interests should remain the top priority.
The Bigger Picture
It’s worth mentioning that both Greene and Calvo lost their seats in the August elections, but they maintain that their criticisms stem from a genuine care for the students and staff in Tennessee’s largest school system. Their remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges facing the district amid ongoing leadership issues.
The journey of finding the right leader for Memphis Shelby County Schools has been rocky from the beginning, with Vice Chairwoman Sheleah Harris resigning and labeling the selection process as “the highest level of ignorance.” As this intricate saga unfolds, many in the Memphis community will be watching closely to see how the board navigates this pivotal moment in the district’s history.
