MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After months of waiting, Dr. Marie Feagins made her long-anticipated, official debut Monday as Superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS).
Parents are hopeful fresh eyes and a new vision will lead the largest school district in Tennessee to greater academic achievement and renovated and more sustainable building infrastructure.
“I got hope," Sarah Carpenter from Memphis Lift said. “Even our children feel like they got hope.”
Parents hope the district works to better its strategy to improve student’s academic performance, particularly for TCAP.
“The children and education are under attack state-wide, country-wide," MSCS parent Damon Morris said. “The parents, teachers, and administrators will sit down and ultimately make the decision to hold a child back in their grade if they’re not on board with, and I think that’s another one of the challenges Dr. Feagins has coming into this district.”
Morris is also concerned about the future of many of its decaying and outdated school buildings like Cummings Elementary along with money, as the district’s budget will have to adjust to a post-pandemic era.
Whereas MSCS's budget over the last few years was boosted by nearly $775 million in one-time federal aid, the district has until September to spend that additional money.
Dr. Feagins has experience in dealing with school infrastructures. In her last role, she helped create a $2.1 billion facility plan for Detroit Public Schools.
This Thursday, Feagins will continue her school tour at Kate Bond Elementary and Middle Schools.