Mon Jan 06 11:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Shelby County Commissioner Defends MSCS Superintendent Amidst Termination Efforts

**MEMPHIS, TN** – Shelby County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon is publicly defending Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins against an impending termination vote by the school board. In a statement released Saturday, Sugarmon cited five reasons for her opposition, arguing that the attempt to oust Feagins just eight months into her four-year contract is premature and detrimental to the district.

Sugarmon contends that Feagins has demonstrated a commitment to students, teachers, and the community, and that necessary, albeit difficult, financial decisions made under her leadership have been unfairly criticized. She further asserts that Feagins hasn’t been given sufficient time to implement positive change and that the board’s actions are creating unnecessary instability. Frequent leadership changes, Sugarmon argues, hinder progress and harm the district.

The school board, however, alleges that Feagins has faced backlash due to changes including layoffs, leadership resignations, and contract cuts. While the board postponed a termination vote to January 21st to allow Feagins to respond to these accusations, Sugarmon claims the grounds for the vote are “baseless accusations and personal grievances.”

Commissioner Amber Mills, a co-sponsor of a no-confidence resolution against the school board, echoed Sugarmon’s support for Feagins, calling the issue non-partisan and emphasizing the need to prioritize the best interests of the children.

Feagins, elected in February 2024 after a lengthy search, is expected to submit her formal response to the allegations on Monday. The January 21st vote will determine her future as superintendent of Tennessee’s largest school district. Commissioner Sugarmon, a former educator with 25 years of experience, is the sister of Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon.

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