MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Shelby County School’s newest superintendent, Dr. Marie Feagins, received a death threat last week, according to reports.
However, Dr. Feagins has made it clear she doesn’t feel rattled by the threat.
“We have no reason to believe I’m in danger,” Dr. Feagins said. “Like I shared, anytime a threat comes through – bomb threat, personal threat, general threat for the district or any individual student, staff or anyone connected to it in terms of the district community, we take them all seriously.”
Memphis Police say on Friday, May 31, Feagin’s brother was out of town when he received four phone calls from a 901 number.
Once he picked up the phone, an unknown man reportedly told him, “I’m going to put your sister in a pine box.”
School security was contacted, and MPD made the scene of the MSCS School Board in the 100 block of South Hollywood Street.
WREG asked if the Board of Education had been placed on lockdown.
“There was no lockdown, no additional restraints or anything had taken place,” Dr. Feagins said. “Nothing out of the norm.”
During a press conference Tuesday, Feagins said she is okay and does not feel that her life is in danger. She expressed her appreciation for Homeland Security and its promptness in handling the situation.
“You see me standing here today. I am fine,” Dr. Feagins said. “I have no reason to believe my life is in danger.”
Dr. Feagins also thanked the community for the outpouring of support and the reminders of the focus of why she’s in Memphis.
In recent weeks, Dr. Feagins announced her transition team of leaders to develop the school district’s strategic plan and said reorganizing the district means some employees will see a change in jobs and pay.
Despite the latest threat made against her, she said she’s still on that same mission.
“I remain committed to the work, doing it well, doing it with the same level of energy and excitement as I think the general community has seen me come on board,” Dr. Feagins said. “I think this comes along with the territory as we think about general thoughts about superintendents overall across the United States receiving threats.”