State Prepares Takeover of Memphis County Schools, Community Outraged
The Memphis community is currently experiencing significant unrest following the announcement from the state of Tennessee regarding its plans to assume control over the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS). This decision comes in the wake of the controversial firing of former Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins, which has ignited outrage among local residents and stakeholders. Many community members feel this move is an overreach by the state, threatening the autonomy of local educational governance and raising serious questions about the future of education in the area.
During a recent appearance on KWAM’s Wake up Memphis, Republican lawmaker Cameron Sexton expressed his belief that a state takeover of the MSCS board is not just possible but highly probable. He indicated that forthcoming legislation could effectively dissolve the current school board, allowing the state to implement a new governance structure comprised of various local individuals tasked with managing the schools. This proposed change aims to facilitate essential adjustments, including potentially appointing a new superintendent to restore stability and oversight within the school system.
Reports from Local Memphis indicate that the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board officially terminated Dr. Marie Feagins’ contract on January 21, citing serious allegations including financial mismanagement, professional misconduct, and other related issues. Before taking the helm as Superintendent, Feagins held the position of chief of leadership and high schools within the Detroit Public Schools Community District, which adds to the scrutiny surrounding her abrupt dismissal.
From Local Memphis:
Among the serious allegations:
- Feagins is accused of misleading the board and the public regarding a claim that MSCS paid $1 million in overtime wages for unworked hours, a statement that she allegedly failed to substantiate or clarify.
- She reportedly accepted a donation exceeding $45,000 without the necessary board approval and misrepresented her involvement in the transaction, allegedly violating Board Policy.
- Additionally, she is accused of dishonesty regarding the status of federal grant funds, asserting their availability despite failing to meet the required obligations by the set deadlines.
- The resolution also highlighted a pattern of behavior by Feagins that allegedly undermined the effective operation of the district, citing her refusal to communicate with MSCS partners and her failure to report significant issues to the board.
This resolution contends that Feagins’ behavior amounts to professional misconduct, constituting a breach of her contract.
In the aftermath of her termination, Dr. Feagins has vehemently denied all allegations, characterizing them as unfounded and lacking merit. She emphasized the critical importance of educational stability, stating, “The stakes are high, the status of education, but certainly with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, could not be any higher than they are right now.” Feagins also expressed her commitment to accountability, asserting, “If I’m ever the barrier, I would leave. No one would have to dismiss me.”
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive of Feagins, with many residents expressing their discontent regarding her dismissal. Community member Devante Hill articulated his frustrations on social media, noting the absence of governmental support for Feagins against the backdrop of contracts that seemingly benefit those disinterested in the welfare of the children. This sentiment has been echoed by various community leaders, including Democratic lawmaker Raumesh Akbari, who labeled the school board’s decision as “an attack on democracy” and a regressive step for educational progress in Tennessee.
Akbari further emphasized that the focus should be on collaborative efforts to address funding disparities and invest in educational resources to ensure equitable opportunities for every child in Tennessee, stating, “Memphis and Tennessee deserve better than political attacks on our right to self-determination.”
In a show of solidarity, students from local schools organized a walkout last week, expressing their opposition to Feagins’ termination. According to reports from Action News 5, this protest was led by members of the Legacy Builders, a group that had collaborated closely with the superintendent to ideate improvements for the district.
Dr. Feagins is reportedly considering legal action against the school board following her dismissal, while Roderick Richmond has been appointed as the interim superintendent to navigate the transitional period.
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