Sexton's Allegations of Document Destruction Escalate Tensions Ahead of MSCS Audit

Posted 11:21 AM, July 26, 2025 and last updated 11:22 AM, July 26, 2025

Written by: Sky Arnold

Editor's Note: This story has been updated from its original version to include the latest developments.

MEMEPHIS, Tenn. - A high-stakes standoff between state leaders and Tennessee's largest school district has intensified following explosive allegations from House Speaker Cameron Sexton. In a public statement, Sexton claimed that staff at Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) are actively destroying documents in advance of a state-led forensic audit scheduled to begin this month.

The accusation, made via a post on the social media platform X, has sharply raised the temperature in an already contentious relationship. "Hearing Shelby County Schools is destroying documents ahead of the forensic audit – this is a crime!" Sexton wrote in a joint statement with Lt. Governor Randy McNally. "Those tampering with or destroying public records will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law".

This latest conflict is a direct outgrowth of a turbulent year for MSCS. The push for the forensic audit gained momentum following the school board's controversial firing of former Superintendent Marie Feagins after less than a year on the job. Sexton proposed the audit to investigate speculation of "fraud, waste, and abuse of resources" within the district. This legislative pressure is part of a broader push by some Republican lawmakers for a potential state takeover of the district, citing concerns over academic performance where proficiency rates have been quoted as low as 17% in math and 23% in reading.

The state-funded audit, set to begin around July 17, 2025, has a broad and powerful mandate. According to documents from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, the probe is designed to:

• Identify and evaluate instances of fraud, waste, and abuse.

• Assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the district's operations and financial reporting.

• Review the district's internal controls to ensure they are adequate to prevent mismanagement.

• Report all findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the state.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools issued a swift and firm rebuttal to Sexton's claims, stating they have no evidence to support the "extremely serious claims and accusations". In a statement, the district emphasized its commitment to transparency and cooperation. "We are unaware of any such alleged acts by any MSCS representative or official," the district wrote, adding that Interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond had personally attempted to contact Speaker Sexton to address the matter.

The Tennessee Comptroller's office has confirmed that it is aware of the allegations and is taking them seriously. John Dunn, the Comptroller's Director of Communications, told the Tennessee Firefly that the claims will be considered as the office moves forward with selecting a firm to conduct the audit.

As state officials prepare to launch their investigation, Sexton's allegations have transformed the audit from a procedural review into a charged political event, setting the stage for a critical new chapter in the ongoing struggle over the future of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. A forensic audit of MSCS was set to begin on July 17, 2025.