MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The former superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools is seeking a preliminary injunction to void the school board’s decision to fire her and get her job back.
Attorneys for Dr. Marie Feagins filed the motion Monday in Shelby County Circuit Court.
Dr. Feagins was terminated on January 21. In February, Feagins filed a civil lawsuit against the school board for terminating her contract.
In the lawsuit, Dr. Feagins accused the board of having private meetings to orchestrate her firing and violating the rights of citizens.
She also alleged that the board violated the Tennessee Open Meetings Act and failed to provide adequate notice to the public to attend the meetings.
The lawsuit stated that several board members met on different occasions to discuss her termination, and some even texted each other during a school board meeting about their plans for her termination.
According to the motion for the preliminary injunction, any action taken in violation of the Open Meetings Act was never valid.
Attorneys for Feagins stated that they have an abundance of evidence demonstrating clear, repeated violations of the Act by the school board.
They also claim that Dr. Feagins has endured immediate and irreparable harm, including loss of employment, income, and damage to her professional reputation, and argue that the requested injunction will merely hold the school board accountable for the requirements of the law and preserve the status quo.
MSCS responded to the latest court action, saying:
Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has been made aware of a recent motion seeking injunctive relief filed by a former employee. We want to be clear: this lawsuit is baseless and the motion lacks merit. The District is focused on our commitment to serving children, student achievement, and preparing for a successful new school year.