The mood was tense during Tuesday’s Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education meeting following weeks of debate about how the district should approach evaluating Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins’ tenure.¶
According to district leaders, the board decided this week to evaluate Feagins through one-hour individual meetings behind closed doors instead of a written evaluation. The decision came after contentious discussions at their Monday retreat and last week’s regular meeting, stemming from disagreements between Feagins and other board members about the evaluation criteria. ¶
“I think it would be ignorant of me six months into my tenure to act like the support has been high and the feedback has been high because it has not been,” Feagins said at last week’s meeting, going into the upcoming evaluation.¶
Much of the focus of recent discussions revolved around Feagins’ relationship with district staff, following backlash about personnel changes spearheaded by Feagins earlier this year. District employees and other board members have also previously criticized Feagins’ leadership for a lack of clear communication about personnel planning, and threats against schools this school year that led to district-wide lockdowns and several arrests. Camalyn Turner, Feagin’s recently-hired assistant, also suddenly resigned last week.¶
Feagins appeared emotional during Tuesday’s meeting, when she was asked by board member Amber Huett-Garcia what she was most proud of during her six months as superintendent.¶
“People,” she responded. “Leaders who keep showing up every day, committed to something they can’t see.”¶
Despite the controversy over Feagins’ leadership, including some former board members expressing regret for selecting her for the role, board member Michelle McKissack thanked Feagins for her service and leadership during challenging times.¶
“This is clearly a thankless job serving on this board and serving as superintendent, stepping into a role, and so it’s a very emotional thing. I just want to take time to acknowledge that, when you are taking so many hits and punches,” she said. “At the same time there are a lot of things to celebrate in our district as we continue to work.”¶
The board must finalize their evaluation rubric by Nov. 1 and hold meetings with Feagins by Nov. 30, according to district leaders. Those meetings will not be open to the public.¶
