Editor’s Note: The recent and seemingly sudden effort to remove Memphis Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins has unleashed a wave of emotion and opinion across the city — much of it aimed at the School Board. In this special op-ed, Board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman shares her response to the furor over Feagins’ contract and why she voted to delay a final vote — even though she hasn’t changed her mind.
By Joyce Dorse Coleman, Chair
Memphis Shelby County School Board
I have received phone calls and emails and some citizens have approached me in the community about my resolution to terminate the contract of Memphis-Shelby County Schools Supt. Dr. Marie Feagins.
I voted to allow Dr. Feagins to respond to the resolution because I felt that it was the right thing to do, but my position has not changed.
I want the public to know that it was a tough decision for me to bring this item before the Board. I understand the gravity of the situation, and I don’t take it lightly.
My resolution should not surprise you if you regularly follow the Board meetings. Some of my colleagues and I have publicly and privately shared our concerns directly with Dr. Feagins. She has a pattern and practice of not providing critical information and instead misinforming the Board Members.
I don’t think this is something we can overcome. In our governance role as elected Board Members, we must work with her daily and rely on her for information.
I will review the information that Dr. Feagins will provide to me and the other Board Members by January 3, 2025 and take her responses under consideration.
I am confident that this Board will do what is best for the children, families and employees we serve. I look forward to our meeting on January 14, 2025, to resolve this issue.
