On Tuesday, the Memphis-Shelby County School Board finished what they started in December, voting to terminate Superintendent Marie Feagins, just nine months into the job. Minutes later, as required by state law, the board nominated and voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Roderick Richmond, a 31-year veteran of Memphis schools, as the schools new interim superintendent.

Since the vote, emotions have continued to run high. Community members, who packed board meetings in support of Feagins, have expressed anger and frustration, accusing the board of acting hastily and ignoring public sentiment. Meanwhile, the board insists its decision was based on evidence and its responsibility to ensure accountability and transparency in leadership.

Demonstrators disrupt Richmond’s introductory press conference

  • Demonstrations continue around the controversial firing of Dr. Marie Feagins. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
  • Rev. Willie Womack of SCLC Memphis was among the leaders of a small protest during Richmond’s introductory press conference. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
  • “CONTRACTS AND KICKBACKS!” were among the chants of demonstrators at the Memphis Shelby County Schools Main Office Thursday afternoon. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
  • A protestor speaks with media in front of MSCS offices. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
  • (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
  • (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)

And on Thursday, for the first time since the controversial vote, Richmond and most of the school board met with media to begin the first steps of healing a community that passionately supported the ousted Feagins — so much so that some even marched as the introductory press conference was underway.

The Tri-State Defender was on hand for the press conference and also spoke with Richmond and several board members, who all agreed that removing Feagins was the right thing to do despite her popularity. They also said that transparency and integrity will be key to winning back the trust of the public.

The TSD spoke with Richmond after his formal remarks about the challenges he faces trying to win back the public trust:

After the press conference, TSD caught up with board members for more detailed comments. Towanna Murphy, who never wavered in her disapproval of Feagins, said that since being elected to the school board, her efforts to connect with Feagins went unanswered for months. She also said that, having been an activist, she understands how things appear “from the outside looking in . . . . But as a commissioner, on the other side, I see the issues . . .”

Newly elected board member Sable Otey, who seemed to think twice before casting her vote to fire Feagins Tuesday, said she wishes the best for Feagins:

School Board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman knows emotions are raw, but believes that as more information comes out, public opinion will change. She also says the key to winning back the public trust will be transparency and, of course, keeping the focus on MSCS students:

TSD did not get a chance to speak with Board Members Natalie McKinney, Amber Huett-Garcia or Tamarques Porter Jr. Board Members Michelle McKissack and Keith Williams were not in attendance.

However, we did speak with Porter Tuesday night, immediately following his unsuccessful vote to keep Feagins:

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