House speaker alleges Memphis-County Schools’ staff destroyed documents in advance of a state audit
House Speaker Cameron Sexton (Photo by the Tennessee General Assembly)
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, took to social media Thursday afternoon to allege staff at the state’s largest school district destroyed documents ahead of a planned state audit.
The Tennessee General Assembly included funding for the audit in the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Bill that passed in April. The audit was among multiple options lawmakers considered for the district, following the controversial firing of former Superintendent Marie Feagins after less than a year on the job.
Sexton proposed the audit to address speculation of “fraud, waste, and abuse of resources,” and Thursday he made allegations that district staff are trying to impede it.
“Hearing Shelby County Schools is destroying documents ahead of the forensic audit – this is a crime! @TNCOT has been notified. Those tampering with or destroying public records will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” wrote Sexton in a joint statement with Lt. Governor Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, on X.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools pushed back on Sexton’s allegations Thursday evening, saying staff have no evidence of staff tampering with or destroying documents.
In a statement posted on X, the district says Interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond is committed to “fully cooperating” with the audit and has personally attempted to contact Speaker Sexton to address any allegations of suspicious conduct.
“We are unaware of any such alleged acts by any MSCS representative or official, nor have we received any evidence substantiating these extremely serious claims and accusations. Therefore, we implore those with information related to the alleged conduct to share it with us, so that any responsible individuals(s) can be thoroughly investigated and held accountable,” wrote the district in a statement.
According to documents provided by the Tennessee Comptroller, the probe will:
Conduct a forensic audit of the financial records, transactions, and processes of MSCS to identify and evaluate instances of fraud, waste, abuse, and any deficiencies in the design or operation of the MSCS internal control structure that facilitated these occurrences.
Evaluate and assess the effectiveness and efficiency of MSCS operations, the accuracy and reliability of MSCS financial reporting, and MSCS compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Review the design and implementation of MSCS internal controls to ensure they are adequate to mitigate risks and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
Report and present its findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
The Comptroller plans to begin the audit in July.
