MEMPHIS, Tenn. — All eyes were on MSCS board members as they held Memphis-Shelby County Schools superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins' fate in their hands, and parents and community members are upset at how they handled things.
Dr. Feagins still the leader of the district after MSCS board members held a special call meeting Tuesday to determine whether to fire or allow her to stay employed.
MSCS parent and graduate of Whitehaven High School Britteny Sessoms attended Tuesday night's board meeting. She said she believes the meeting could've been handled differently, but claims the community was expressing their frustration in the board's attempt to let Dr. Feagins' contract go.
"I think there was definitely a way to have more structure, but like I said, 'righteous rage.' I think we have to hold space for that in these instances," Sessoms said.
She expressed gratitude that the MSCS board spared Dr. Feagins job and said she was highly upset after she witnessed multiple board members walk out while Dr. Feagins addressed the allegations she claimed to have heard for the first time.
"It speaks to another level of some people having the judgement and that it was personal; I wouldn't be one to say that, but that is how it can be perceived when you walk out," she said.
MSCS board member Sable Otey said she believes the crowd during Tuesday night's board meeting were displaying their passion for what they are fighting for.
According to Otey, she believes the MSCS board postponing Dr. Feagins contract until next month was the right move.
"Definitely allow her to speak; let's make sure we're being fair and weighing everything and hearing everybody's voice," Otey said.
Otey said despite how their decision appears to the public, they are doing what's right for the students in the district.
During Tuesday night's meeting, Otey and other board members left the meeting momentarily while Dr. Feagins was speaking in response to the allegations.
"I went to go get tissue because my nose was running. I got a little emotional, and I wanted to clean my face, and a couple of colleagues came out. I appreciate them for coming out, but it just didn't look appropriate, but that's what happened," she said.
Otey would not comment on whether she will vote for terminating Dr. Feagins contract next month. She said the board does hope to include more security for other school board meetings in the future. She said they are trying to advocate for both MSCS employees and parents.
The MSCS board is scheduled to meet Jan. 14 to decide on Dr. Feagins' contract.