MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members have postponed the decision on whether to terminate the contract of superintendent Marie Feagins.
During her time in the role, she has received criticism for job cuts, communications and personnel moves. At least four staff members joined to work directly with Feagins and left the district during her tenure, including Julian Cross, Camalyn Turner and George Harris. Feagins has served in the role since April after coming from Detroit Public Schools Community District where she served as chief of leadership and high schools.
The resolution to terminate her contract cited that Feagins had misled the board and the public during a board work session that the district had paid $1 million in overtime wages for time not worked.
"Dr. Feagins never presented any evidence suggesting that her statement was true, and she did not correct or clarify her statement to the public," the resolution reads.
The resolution also claims that Feagins accepted a donation of more than $45,000 without board approval.
"At a Board Work Session, Dr. Feagins misrepresented her knowledge of and involvement in depositing the unapproved donation check in violation of board policy," the resolution reads.
The board's resolution also claimed that Feagins was dishonest with the board and the public about federal grant funds that were still available to the district despite Feagins failing to obligate the funds prior to the deadline.
"Whereas, the Board has also become aware of certain patterns of behavior by Dr. Feagins that are not conducive to the effective operation of the District in the best interests of students, included but not limited to Dr. Feagins' refusal to communication and/or cooperate with valued District partners and her failure to promptly report significant matters pertinent to the Board's responsibility to oversee the operation of the district," the resolution reads.
Board members heard from public commenters for more than an hour on why they need to keep Feagins, with some saying they would vote out board officials if they proceeded. The meeting was tense with frequent outbursts from those in attendance to the board on how they were making the wrong decision.
Feagins spoke roughly two and a half hours into the meeting, thanking supporters during her speech and saying the stakes are high.
"I had yet to see this resolution," Feagins said. "What I have heard is meritless, is baseless ... My desire to be transparent has been weaponized."
Feagins said she could provide evidence to discredit the allegations levied by the board resolution, including saying that funds were sent back from the donation.
"Nothing took place out of the ordinary," Feagins said.
Feagins said she meets weekly with every board member with the exception of two who declined the opportunity.
"I appreciate my team for going the distance," Feagins said. "I'm not apologetic for wanting more for the 901."
Feagins ended her comments by saying she would let her attorney handle the results of the decision.
Current school board member Michelle McKissack released a statement before the meeting asking to delay the vote on terminating Feagins contract.
"In light of overwhelming community support for Dr. Feagins' leadership and progress, I am asking my colleagues to delay this vote," McKissack's statement reads. "I believe we should give Dr. Feagins the opportunity to address any concerns directly and collaboratively. This moment calls for patience and dialogue in the best interest of our students and families."
McKissack was vocal during the Tuesday meeting saying that she did not believe the allegations were insurmountable or rose to an offense that deserved termination. The former board chair tried to postpone the vote saying it was too big to rush into.
Ultimately the board decided to postpone the vote until January 14, sending it to committee which will allow Feagins time to respond to the allegations.
Former board chair Rev. Althea Greene and former board member Mauricio Calvo drafted letters to board members in September outlining concerns she has about Feagins' leadership since taking over the district.
Greene said that after reflecting on the six months she worked alongside Dr. Feagins, she believes it was a mistake hiring the superintendent.
"I did go back to HYA, who was the company that we hired, and I questioned them. 'When you received her resume, did you go back and check it out in January prior to bringing her as a candidate to Memphis?' And the answer was no," Greene said.
The former MSCS board member shared with ABC24 at the time of her letter that she doesn't believe the district is going in the right direction.
According to Greene's letter, some of those concerns include Dr. Feagins making personnel changes without consulting the board on the intended job cuts this past summer and Dr. Feagins wanting to transition early as a superintendent without the aid of the board or previous superintendent.
Greene said the overall lack of communication has suffered when Dr. Feagins needs to make tough decisions.
She said there were several critical situations where actions were not taken, displaying those concerns.