Memphis is a city full of heart and soul. Education is critical there. To improve education in Tennessee, we must address the issues in Memphis schools.
The state has considered taking over the district. The Tennessee General Assembly is likely to take up that issue when it returns in January.
Tennessee will initiate a $6 million audit of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Lt. Governor Randy McNally and Speaker Cameron Sexton have claimed that the district is trying to obstruct the pending audit. Meanwhile, several legislators from Shelby County have rejected these accusations. This is a serious accusation.
The story of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is one of turmoil. Dr. Marie Feagins was the superintendent. Her time was short and troubled. With a budget of $1.8 billion and over 100,000 students, MSCS should shine. Yet, it faces stagnant grades, a lack of funds, old buildings, and a loss of trust. This is the result of past scandals.
The superintendent’s job is not just a title. It requires working with a nine-member school board and many others. Dr. Feagins was appointed in February 2024, following a lengthy search. She was the first outsider to lead the system since the merger of Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools.
She arrived with big dreams. She wanted to change the culture. The focus was on student success and stronger community ties. However, her plans often collided with the harsh reality of the district. When she cut 1,100 positions—some vital—the response was fierce. Fears of more job losses grew. There was a loss of trust among some staff.
When social media threats prompted a lockdown, communication broke down. Families were left anxious and unsure. Yet, Feagins did engage with students and families about the high absenteeism rate of 51%. She was praised for that. Still, her plan to close schools created more tension. It felt more like a top-down approach than a collaborative effort.
Ultimately, the conflicts led to her termination on January 21, 2025, in a 6-3 board vote. Complaints of poor communication and misconduct drove the decision. Dr. Feagins filed a lawsuit against the board for secretly meeting to arrange her firing, which allegedly violated citizens’ rights and breached the Tennessee Open Meetings Act. She claims political motives were involved and seeks to regain her job. The community appears to be showing initial support for her.
MSCS has a history of instability. Feagin’s short time is just another chapter in a long saga of leadership changes. The key to change lies in directing all your energy not toward battling what is old, but in creating what is new. The district continues to struggle with academic stagnation and a lack of trust.
Her story shows the balance needed in leadership. Decisive action is essential, but so is collaboration. While her goals were reasonable, her sweeping changes alienated many. As of June 2025, her legal battles continue. Dr. Roderick Richmond is now the interim superintendent, highlighting the continued need for reform and trust.
The future of leadership within MSCS is uncertain. While new leadership is essential, an unwavering commitment to collaboration and transparency is imperative.
The next Governor of Tennessee must place a high priority on Memphis and the Memphis-Shelby County Schools. The Tennessee General Assembly could provide the essential resources and legislation to tackle this pressing issue effectively, unless the residents of Shelby County take action themselves.
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JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that the author and the association are properly cited. For more information on this subject or any education issue please contact Professional Educators of Tennessee. To schedule an interview please contact info@proedtn.org or 1-800-471-4867.
