A detailed look at the allegations to fire MSCS’ Feagins
MSCS Superintendent Marie Feagins called claims against her “meritless” during comments to the board at its Dec. 17 meeting, and is expected to provide a written response Monday, Jan. 6. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file)
When Memphis school board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman called a meeting to consider firing Superintendent Marie Feagins, many in the public were stunned. The substance of the claims, however, was familiar.
Complaints in the termination resolution appear to center on specific disagreements that played out, at least in part, during public meetings of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board.
Three specific allegations accuse Feagins of poorly communicating about the school district’s finances. Additional grievances levy broad criticisms of her leadership, claiming she is dishonest, doesn’t cooperate with district partners, and doesn’t communicate promptly with the board.
The Daily Memphian reviewed the claims about overtime pay, a check donation and a grant application, and compiled what is known about them based on related board policies, laws and public deliberations among board members and the superintendent.
Topics
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Marie Feagins Subscriber OnlyAre you enjoying your subscription?
Your subscription gives you unlimited access to all of The Daily Memphian’s news, written by nearly 40 local journalists and more than 20 regular freelancers. We work around the clock to cover the issues that impact your life and our community.
You can help us reach more Memphians.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we provide free news access at K-12 schools, public libraries and many community organizations. We also reach tens of thousands of people through our podcasts, and through our radio and television partnerships – all completely free to everyone who cares about Memphis.
When you subscribe, you get full access to our news. But when you donate, you help us reach all Memphians.
Pay it forward. Make a fully tax-deductible donation to The Daily Memphian today.
Thank you for reading the local news. Thank you for investing in our community.
Laura Testino
Laura Testino is an enterprise reporter on The Daily Memphian’s metro team who writes most often about how education policies shape the lives of children and families. She regularly contributes to coverage of breaking news events and actions of the Tennessee General Assembly. Testino’s journalism career in Memphis began six years ago at The Commercial Appeal, where she began chronicling learning disruptions associated with the pandemic, and continued with Chalkbeat, where she dug into education administration in Memphis. Her reporting has appeared in The New York Times, The Times-Picayune, The Tuscaloosa News and USA Today.
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.