The Shelby County Board of Commissioners’ Education Committee on Jan. 8 considered a resolution expressing a formal position of no confidence in the Memphis‑Shelby County School Board amid a public dispute over the possible termination of Superintendent Dr. Ray Fagan.

Commissioner Erica Sugarman sponsored an amendment to the resolution’s caption to focus the action on “members of the Memphis‑Shelby County School Board who are advocating for the removal of Superintendent Dr. Ray Fagan.” Commissioner Amber Mills, a sponsor of the original resolution, framed the measure as a reaction to a special board meeting called shortly after the commission’s recent vote to advance funding for school construction, saying the move “jeopardizes not only this project, but the broader efforts to stabilize the school system’s finances and operations.”

Supporters said the resolution was a way to urge the MSCS board to pause termination actions and to prioritize mediation and continuity of leadership for the district. Opponents — including Vice Chair Avant, Commissioner Brooks and others — warned that a no‑confidence vote by one elected body against another elected body would set a dangerous precedent and risk politicizing governance; they urged focus on student outcomes and constructive remedies such as governance plans or mediation.

Chairman Michael Whaley signaled an alternative approach: a substitute that would ask the MSCS board to provide a public governance plan addressing short‑ and long‑term academic, operational and financial goals, and to describe how the superintendent is managed and evaluated. Whaley said a governance‑plan‑oriented resolution would be more constructive and focused on student outcomes.

After extended public comment and commissioner discussion, the committee voted on a motion offered by Commissioner Mills (seconded by Chairman Whaley) to send the resolution to the full commission without recommendation. The tally in committee was 8 ayes (Clay Bibbs, Caswell, Sugarman, Mills, Ford, Thornton, Avant and Whaley) and 2 no (Brooks and Lowry). The motion therefore carried and the resolution will proceed to the full commission for final consideration.

Why it matters: Commissioners and public speakers repeatedly framed the dispute as consequential to school stability, capital projects and public trust. Supporters emphasized continuity of leadership to complete projects and maintain momentum on capital improvements; opponents emphasized the limits of county authority over the elected school board and warned against escalation between elected bodies. Chairman Whaley’s proposal to ask for a public governance plan aims to shift the conversation toward accountability and transparency rather than a formal inter‑elective confrontation.

Key quotes (from the meeting):
- “This is not about one person … This is about ensuring that our school system is governed with integrity, stability, and a clear focus on providing the best possible education for our children,” Commissioner Amber Mills (sponsor) said.
- “When we open this door, please be very careful about what could come back to us as a commission,” Vice Chair Avant said, arguing against a no‑confidence declaration.
- “I think we have an opportunity on this body to refocus on the students … request a public governance plan that ensures public trust, accountability, and transparency,” Chairman Michael Whaley said.

Next steps: The resolution and proposed amendments were transmitted to the full Shelby County Commission for consideration at the commission meeting on Monday. Chairman Whaley said he planned to propose a substitute or amendment that would request a public governance plan from the MSCS board focused on student outcomes and superintendent management methods.