Memphis-Shelby County School Board fires Dr. Marie Feagins after less than a year as superintendent.
The board voted 6-3 to fire her after the commissioned report found Dr. Feagins violated her contract and misled the board. However, despite the findings of the report, most Memphian's are still on the side of Dr. Feagins.
People began gathering for the meeting before 3 pm, with many who arrived at 3 pm having to go into overflow rooms. Supporters held signs, put up signs outside supporting her, chanted, yelled, and defended Feagins while making public comments. “Trust in Feagins” and “Faith in Feagins” were common chants heard throughout the meeting, and multiple people held signs that red “Yes!” when the crowd agreed when speakers defended the now former superintendent.
“Thank you for your patience and tolerance,” said citizen Jay Worth, “This school board has put on Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder glasses.” This refers to how both musicians are blind.
“She has been resolute in making all choices with student enhancement and teachers at the forefront,” said teacher Kiera Mcgee.
While State Representative Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) spoke, he called the attempt to fire Feagins an “elephant court” and warned of the state Republicans trying to strip power from the school board. Pearson ultimately went over his time, and when an officer tried to take the microphone out of his hands, he snatched the microphone away and looked at him.
“We need to get quality candidates,” said activist Claudette Bloyd, “We need to make our voices heard and voters need to be more educated before they vote. We are our own worst enemy.”
However, many others in attendance acted in ways that weren’t as "peaceful" as holding signs, chanting, or making public comments. There was a lot of shouting, swearing, threats, and verbal hostility.
There was constant screaming, multiple people had to be escorted out by police, and many tried to lie saying they were media to get inside the meeting room.
“I never liked rowdiness and disrespect, there are children and there is a way the public needs to act,” said activist Glenda Hicks before being interrupted by someone screaming swears at another person. “See what I mean,” said Hicks.
The board also got into a verbal battle while Attorney Robert Spence was delivering the report and other allegations when emphasizing the word “fact” between each sentence. Members of the board and the public got into a screaming match. Another screaming match occured while Huett-Garcia held a sign reading “This was not the plan”. Coleman ordered to clear the room.
The decision to fire Feagins is one that is widely disagreed with. With her being immediately dismissed, the districts tranformation officer Dr. Roderick Richmond has been appointed as the new Interim Superintendent.
