‘It was a mistake’—Former MSCS board member pens memo, shares concerns, regrets on Dr. Feagins hiring
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The former head of the Memphis Shelby County Schools Board said “it was a mistake” to hire Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins.
Rev. Althea Greene sent a memo to current school board members this week as they prepare to evaluate Dr. Feagins’ first six months on the job, outlining areas of concern.
And she’s not the only former school board member who is worried about Dr. Feagins’ leadership. Mauricio Calvo sent his letter, not just to the board, but directly to the superintendent
Greene wrote to the commissioners: “As a board, we made a decision to hire Dr. Marie Feagins, and if I’m being honest with you, it was a mistake. She was the least qualified candidate for the position, and her actions since coming on board have shown her lack of experience as a leader.”
Rev. Greene told Action News 5, “I think the real problem is, there was no transition between her and the interim. I think we basically gave somebody the keys to drive a new car without driver’s lessons.”
She said the board should have required Dr. Feagins to work with former Interim Superintendent Toni Williams to ensure a smooth transition. Greene also criticized her for not communicating staffing and financial decisions, and for approaching Mayor Paul Young and Mayor Lee Harris for funding not discussed with the board.
Former board member Calvo wrote to Dr. Feagins: “The work is already close to being mission impossible, and your actions often make it even more difficult.”
He told Action News 5, “From what I’ve heard and seen, a climate of fear, people are afraid to speak up because they’re afraid of losing their job.”
Dr. Feagins’ bold restructuring plan implemented hundreds of layoffs, including key executive positions, to focus resources inside the classroom. Calvo said the district lost valuable institutional knowledge.
But Dianechia Fields, the Director of Operations at parent advocate organization Memphis Lift, thinks the board should give the superintendent more time to transform the troubled district.
“Dr. Feagins is the change that we need,” Fields told Action News 5, “She was brought in to do a job. She gave you the plan of what she would do. And she got glowing reviews. So now why is it a problem that she’s doing it?
As the MSCS board prepares to evaluate Dr. Feagins’ performance, Calvo and Greene urge caution.
“Are we really doing and making decisions that are best for children?” said Rev. Greene, “Because at the end of the day, that is the big picture.”
Greene and Calvo lost their races for re-election in August, but both say their criticisms are not a case of sour grapes, they reflect their deep devotion to the students and staff in the largest school system in Tennessee.
The search for a new superintendent was riddled with problems from the start. Vice Chairwoman Sheleah Harris resigned from the board, calling the selection process quote: “the highest level of ignorance.”
Action News 5 reached out to current school board chairwoman Joyce Dorse Coleman and Supt Feagins for a response. We did not get a reply.
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