Shelby County Commissioners voted Monday in favor of a no-confidence resolution against the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Board of Education over school board members’ recent efforts to fire Superintendent Marie Feagins. ¶
According to commissioners, the resolution stems from hundreds of complaints from community members about a December resolution put forth by MSCS Board of Education Chair Joyce Dorse-Coleman, accusing Feagins of accepting donations without board approval, mismanaging district funds, and misleading the public about overtime wages in the district. Feagins has also been accused of failing to communicate important decisions with the board, such as a personnel plan earlier this year that aimed to cut and restructure over 1,000 positions.¶
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman called the commission’s vote “unfortunate.”¶
“Like any legislative body, we have a better understanding of what is happening with the leadership of the District that we have a responsibility to govern. That being said, we are committed to doing what is in the best interest of the children, families and employees that we serve,” she said in a Monday statement responding to the commission’s resolution.¶
“We are duly elected like each of the Commissioners who voted tonight. I hope they understand the gravity of their vote and the impact it may have on the school system. Thank you to Commissioners [Shante] Avant, [Henri] Brooks, [Miska] Clay Bibbs and [Charlie] Caswell for voting against the resolution,” she continued. “Tonight’s vote highlights the need for enhanced transparency, communication and collaboration between the MSCS Board, District leadership and the broader community. I look forward to continuing dialogue with the Commission as we make critical decisions on the future of the District."
