Shelby County board refers proposed termination of superintendent to committee after public outcry

The Shelby County Board of Education voted 5–4 on Dec. 17, 2024 to refer to a board committee for further review a resolution that would have terminated Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Fagan’s employment, postponing a final decision until the board’s January meeting.

Board Chair Joyce D. Coleman introduced a resolution alleging professional misconduct and breaches of the superintendent’s contract and asked the board to consider immediate termination. Coleman said the district had "missed deadlines and incomplete paperwork" tied to federal grant funds and alleged an unapproved $45,000 donation and an unverifiable overtime claim. "I understand the gravity of what I am about to recommend," Coleman said while laying out the resolution.

Why it matters: The proposed termination prompted nearly an hour-and-a-half of public comment and intense debate among board members. About 57 people signed up to speak; dozens urged the board not to remove Dr. Fagan, saying she had brought visible changes in less than a year and that stability was critical for students and staff. Several speakers and board members also warned that a termination could cost the district hundreds of thousands of dollars in severance and lead to state intervention.

Board action and votes

- A motion to refer the resolution to a committee of the full board and return findings at the January business meeting passed 5–4. Commissioners voting yes: Commissioner McKissick, Commissioner Garcia, Commissioner Porter, Commissioner Williams and Board Chair Joyce Coleman. Commissioners voting no: Commissioner Murphy, Commissioner Love, Commissioner McKinney and Commissioner O’Tay.

- Earlier in the meeting the board approved an adjustment to public-comment time, allowing each of the 57 people who signed up one minute to speak; that extension passed by roll call with 9 votes in the affirmative.

What the board members said

Several board members who opposed immediate termination said the allegations in the resolution did not meet the threshold for removing the superintendent and that an independent review or a measured process would be more appropriate. "I do not agree with this resolution at all," Commissioner Tami McKissick said during debate, urging deliberation and independent review. Commissioner Huey Garcia said he was "embarrassed" by the motion and that the allegations did not amount to just cause.

Board member Sonya Murphy, who opposed postponement and argued for action, said there were policy and contract concerns that needed to be addressed. "Policies were broken and contract was broken," Murphy said, arguing that some matters raised were already affecting staffing and operations.

What the superintendent said

Superintendent Dr. Marie Fagan, addressing the board before the final referral vote, said she had not seen the written resolution prior to the meeting and denied the central allegations. "I have yet to see this resolution," she said, and told the board she could refute the claims. She described efforts her administration had taken to identify and reduce excessive overtime and to work with state officials on federal funds. "I have been transparent… and can refute every single thing that has been stated," she said.

Public comment

More than 50 people addressed the board, many in strong support of Dr. Fagan. Speakers included teachers, principals, clergy, union representatives and parents who cited steps the superintendent had taken to address teacher shortages, attendance and school operations. Several speakers asked the board to allow Dr. Fagan more time and warned that an abrupt change in leadership would harm students.

Financial and procedural details cited in the meeting

- The board’s legal advisor said the maximum potential severance exposure under the superintendent’s contract if terminated without cause could be up to 18 months of salary (presented to the board as roughly $487,500).

- Chair Coleman’s resolution said state officials had informed the board that a federal award tied to services for homeless students (described in the resolution as about $304,000) could not be obligated in time; Coleman said the district had been advised the funds would have to be returned. Dr. Fagan disputed the characterization and said administrators worked with state officials to identify reimbursable expenditures.

- The resolution referenced an unapproved donation of more than $45,000 that board members said had not followed policy; Dr. Fagan said the funds were returned and the matter addressed.

Next steps

The board’s referral requires the full board committee to examine the allegations and report at the January business meeting. That report will return the matter to the full board, which can then take further action, including a final vote on the resolution or other remedies. In the meantime, Dr. Fagan remains in place as superintendent.

Votes at a glance

- Public-comment extension (one minute per each of 57 speakers): Passed by roll call, 9 ayes (McKissick; Garcia; Porter; Murphy; Love; McKinney; O’Tay; Williams; Chair Joyce Coleman).

- Motion to refer the termination resolution to committee (report to January business meeting): Passed 5–4 (Ayes: McKissick, Garcia, Porter, Williams, Coleman. Noes: Murphy, Love, McKinney, O’Tay).

Context and community reaction

The meeting exposed sharp divisions among board members and prompted large turnout and sustained public comment. Many speakers characterized the meeting as premature and urged the board to prioritize continuity and resources for students. Some board members said they had been notified of the proposed termination only shortly before the meeting and called for a more deliberate review process.

The board expects the committee report and any subsequent vote to be taken at the board’s January business meeting.