Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education votes to terminate Superintendent Feagins’ contract

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins speaks with other MSCS leaders about strategic planning at a recent district event. (File photo)

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Board of Education voted Tuesday night to terminate the contract of Superintendent Marie Feagins over allegations of professional misconduct.

According to a December resolution put forth by MSCS Board of Education Chair Joyce Dorse-Coleman, Feagins had been accused of accepting donations without board approval, mismanaging district funds, and misleading the public about overtime wages. Feagins has also been accused by the board of failing to communicate important decisions, such as a personnel plan earlier this year that aimed to cut and restructure over 1,000 positions, among other criticisms. A Tuesday news release from the district noted that the board has “yet to receive a comprehensive strategic plan for the district and a full explanation of restructuring,” adding that Feagins’ failure to provide this plan “has caused confusion among parents, staff and the board.”

“After nine months as superintendent, Dr. Feagins has not demonstrated the transformational leadership that is critical to the success of MSCS, which is the largest school district in Tennessee,” Dorse-Coleman said in a statement following Tuesday’s vote.

 “At this pivotal moment, we need a transformational leader who will collaborate effectively with the Board and respect governance protocols, keeping students at the center of every decision.”

The board also voted to appoint Roderick Richmond as interim superintendent. Richmond currently serves as transformation officer for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, where he has been tasked with facilitating the improvement of underperforming schools.

“While we determine our next steps in the selection of a permanent superintendent, Dr. Richmond will provide steady and experienced leadership for the district by collaborating closely with the Board and by addressing pressing issues facing the district,” Vice Chair Stephanie Love said. “Dr. Richmond is uniquely qualified to guide us forward.”

Richmond said he was “surprised yet honored” to be offered the role.

“I look forward to working with the MSCS Board of Education on a path forward to ensure that our students continue to have the education and resources they deserve,” he said.

The vote comes after Feagins addressed recent allegations during last week’s Board of Education meeting, where attendees greeted her with applause. She also noted that the public has been largely supportive of her leadership, according to a recent survey.

“I have learned a difficult truth over the past few months.  Facts, transparency, and even integrity hold little weight and are overshadowed by noise. That truth came into sharp focus on Dec. 17, 2024, when Board Chair Coleman called the city together to terminate my contract. I sat through hours of agonizing disrespect and defamatory attacks that cut deeply as a leader who worked tirelessly to rise in the ranks and as a Black woman who knows all too well what it feels like to have your competence questioned, your intentions distorted, and your dignity dismissed,” she said in her statement last week.

Feagins has denied all the allegations noted by Dorse-Coleman and hired personal counsel since moves to terminate her contract began. She told ABC24 that she would see the board in court to challenge their decision.

Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright said on X that he would vote an “absolute no on every MSCS request moving forward,” in response to Feagins’ termination. He called the move a “coup.” Wright’s statements come after the board voted earlier this month in favor of a no-confidence resolution against the MSCS Board of Education over school board members’ efforts to fire Feagins.

“Still processing the MSCS meeting. Do I have this right? The school board would rather pay an attorney, a PR firm, a board consultant, a national search firm, and risk state takeover, than make things work with a new district leader with 90 percent teacher approval?” Wright said Wednesday on X.

The board will host a press conference to discuss steps moving forward on Thursday at noon inside the 901 Café at the MSCS Central Office.