Two days after firing Superintendent Marie Feagins, Memphis-Shelby County Colleges board members sounded themes of unity and collaboration Thursday however stated little about what the seek for a everlasting superintendent would contain.
At a press convention attended by seven of the board’s 9 members, Board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman stated she believes the district is “turning a nook,” whereas interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond expressed curiosity within the everlasting position and promised a 100-day plan.
“We’re dedicated to working collaboratively with the interim superintendent to make sure a easy transition, clear priorities and an unwavering concentrate on scholar success,” stated Dorse Coleman, who launched the decision to fireside Feagins. “Our job is to supply assist, oversight, and steering to make sure that our district strikes ahead in the best course.”
The board voted 6-3 in a heated assembly Tuesday to terminate Feagins’ contract lower than 10 months into her tenure, citing skilled misconduct and dishonesty. A report from a board-hired outdoors lawyer discovered Feagins violated her $325,000-a-year contract and deviated from board coverage and that she exhibited a sample of untruthful statements
Feagins, who didn’t converse at Tuesday’s particular assembly, beforehand denied any wrongdoing and described herself as a goal of “false accusations and political maneuvering.”
Earlier than answering questions from the media, Dorse Coleman stated the board was restricted in some responses due to potential litigation from Feagins. Feagins informed reporters after Tuesday’s vote that board members had chosen “litigation over management” and that she would see them in courtroom.
Richmond, a 30-year district administrator, promised to ship a 100-day plan centered on stability, offering needed sources to colleges, and reaching out to elected officers and stakeholders to enhance these relationships. Requested by a reporter whether or not he has curiosity in changing into superintendent completely, Richmond stated: “Sure, I do.”
Richmond utilized for the everlasting position in 2023, however he didn’t make the finalist record. He beforehand had been a finalist for superintendent roles in Nashville and Wilson, Tennessee.
In response to questions on attainable state intervention — a state lawmaker has recommended including state-appointed board members — Richmond stated he hopes it doesn’t come to that. He stated his previous work concerned fixed discussions with the state on directives and that he’s ready to talk with these elected officers.
“I imagine I’m the best particular person on the proper time to do that most essential work for our faculty district and our neighborhood,” Richmond stated. “I ask the neighborhood to belief me, to belief our board members, to belief our management groups, to belief our principals, to belief our academics, to belief that we are able to get this proper and we are going to do it proper, to maneuver our faculty district and neighborhood ahead.”
In an acknowledgment that the board has work to do itself, Dorse Coleman stated board members Stephanie Love and Natalie McKinney will present a board governance coaching plan to the district by Feb. 10. 4 board members who have been elected final August already are scheduled to obtain state-required board coaching subsequent week, a spokeswoman stated.
Outdoors the press convention, Feagins supporters chanted “We is not going to again down” and held indicators with messages like, “They selected chaos over kids.”
Board members Michelle McKissak, a fierce advocate of Feagins, and Keith Williams, who voted to fireside Feagins, didn’t attend the press convention.
Board member Amber Huett-Garcia, who voted towards the firing and launched a failed counter-proposal to maintain Feagins, attended and spoke concerning the want for accountability and robust governance.
“Every day we spend not centered on kids is a mistake,” Huett-Garcia stated.
Whereas her colleagues spoke principally concerning the future, board member Towanna Murphy revisited the allegations towards Feagins and the choice to fireside her.
“For practically 9 months, we exercised endurance, we have now given grace, we have now allowed time for changes, progress, and course of correction,” Murphy stated. “However our duty as board members is to not sit again whereas our district suffers. It was time for us to behave.”
Board members stated they aren’t certain if the following superintendent search shall be nationwide in scope. However Dorse Coleman informed Chalkbeat that the following chief doesn’t must be from Memphis.
“They are often from wherever,” she stated. “We simply need anyone that has the identical curiosity — to care about educating our youngsters and dealing collectively with the college board.”
A contract for Richmond has not been finalized, board members stated. Richmond joined MSCS within the 2013-2014 faculty 12 months and has held many roles, together with as government director of scholar assist companies, chief educational officer, and co-chair of a steering committee that assisted the city-county faculty district merger.
In June, Feagins appointed Richmond to the brand new place of transformation officer The position focuses on turnaround efforts for faculties rated “D” or “F” by the state, and oversaw athletics, self-discipline hearings readiness for faculty.
