Latest news with #Feagins
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Looking deeper into Carter Malone Group's invoices to Memphis Shelby County Schools
SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — The Memphis Shelby County School board hired a public relations firm behind closed doors last fall. It sparked concerns among some taxpayers as they demanded to see how the board is spending their money. 'Who's paying the fees for outside legal and PR firms? Is it us taxpayers?' one taxpayer asked the board during a meeting in January. The hire came just weeks before the board voted to fire the MSCS Superintendent, Dr. Marie Feagins. How much is MSCS paying Carter Malone Group for public relations? 'I think people were more concerned about it being done at the time it was done,' said school board Chairwoman Joyce Dorse-Coleman. This wasn't the first time the board hired the Carter Malone Group to help them with their PR. Last summer, Feagins cancelled the previous contract. Dorse-Coleman said that soon after, the internal communications department fell apart. Records WREG obtained show that at least four communications staffers resigned within months. 'When we were reaching out for communications support, we weren't receiving it,' said Dorse-Coleman. 'We had no support.' The board entered into another contract with the Carter Malone Group in November. A move that wasn't discussed or voted on publicly, because the bill would 'not exceed $70,000.' The policy states board approval is only necessary for professional service contracts above $75,000. Because there was no vote, the contract wasn't posted for you to see, either. WREG Investigators received a copy through someone connected within the district. It stated the firm would keep a detailed log of their work and then bill the board every month based on the hourly rates listed in the contract. Deidre Malone opens up about why MSCS hired her PR firm 'A public relations agency is just like a law firm. We believe it is important for our clients to know everything that we do for them,' said the firm's president and CEO, Deidre Malone. 'If my director of public relations is writing the chair's report, then she's going to document that. What that time looks like and what that costs.' In January, we asked for those invoices, and four months later, the district handed them over. In December, the invoice totaled more than $23,000. A majority of it had to do with the board's efforts to fire Feagins. The firm charged $900 for a communications strategy with the chair and another $1,200 to attend the meeting. They also prepared videos, statements and press releases based on various outcomes and provided media training and scripts. MSCS-Dec-2024-SubstantiationDownload The line items are similar in January's invoice, but the bill was slightly cheaper at around $19,000. The firm was again charged to prep for and attend the second special-called meeting where Feagins was terminated. They also charged $40 for a snow day social media post that month, $150 to meet with a lawmaker, and another $200 to tag along for an appearance on Your News Leader. That's right, their bill grew with each media appearance as the media asked your questions. 'It shouldn't be awkward because our role is to work with the media to get you what you need, and if your interview is an interview with the chair or one of the board members, then it's our role to coordinate that,' Green stated. The firm also charged $175 to help the chair draft a response in April when another board member threatened to deport a Hispanic woman who criticized her work. Original story: School board member won't apologize for deportation threat Followup story: School board member apologizes for deportation threat MSCS-Apr-2025-SubstantiationDownload There were more interview preps, press releases, and phone calls. Plus, another $1,700 for the new interim superintendent's media training. Malone said they wanted to detail everything they did, so the public could understand what they were paying for. 'When you're dealing with clients that are government clients, it's so important for them to understand everything that an agency does for them, so that's the reason why we itemize,' she said. The chair admits that information should be easier to obtain. 'We as a district have to do better at explaining why and the hows of certain things, like why do we have to feel like we needed an outside PR firm?' Dorse-Coleman said. 'Yes, the trust has been distorted. We know that,' Dorse-Coleman said. 'We have to do better, and our interim superintendent is committed and the board is committed to being more transparent.' The chair said she wanted every contract published, but it's unclear when that will happen. Get the latest from the WREG Investigators in your inbox The Carter Malone Group's contract ended last month. They reached the $70,000 limit before that, but continued to work through May without charging the district. Dorse-Coleman said the board is now utilizing the internal communications team again, but stated if they do not provide the support they need, she's not opposed to entering into another contract with the Carter Malone Group. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
Part-time Douglas Anderson employee removed after report of ‘inappropriate conduct'
Another employee has been removed from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville. In an email sent to parents on Tuesday, Principal Timothy M. Feagins said in part, 'we were notified recently of a report of inappropriate conduct from a previous school year involving a part-time staff member.' The employee's name was not released, as the 'matter is still under investigation,' Feagins said. At least six teachers have been removed from Douglas Anderson in recent years. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] All of those cases involve claims and convictions of inappropriate behavior with students. The most recent case was in August. In June, former teacher Jeffrey Clayton was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexual misconduct with a student. Also in August, we told you about an investigation into the former principal and vice principal for not properly reporting accusations. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Here is the full text of the email that was sent to families by Feagins on Tuesday: 'Dear Douglas Anderson families, 'I believe we have established a spirt (sic) of trust and transparency in our school community. In that spirit, I wanted to share with you that we were notified recently of a report of inappropriate conduct from a previous school year involving a part-time staff member. Because this is an active investigation, I am limited in what I can share. I can share that this staff member, who was serving in a part-time capacity, has been released from their position at Douglas Anderson. As this matter is still under investigation, we are not naming this individual. I want to assure you that we will continue to take appropriate action following a full investigation. Please know that maintaining the safety of our staff and students and building trust within our school community remain my highest priorities. 'Sincerely, Timothy M. Feagins, Principal" Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TN Comptroller won't audit MSCS, but here's how it will help Shelby Co.
While the Tennessee Comptroller's office will not be completing an audit of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, as requested by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, that doesn't mean the office won't assist the county. In a letter to Shelby County Commissioners Amber Mills and Edmund Ford Jr., Comptroller Jason E. Mumpower said his office would assist in identifying qualified firms and the scope of the audit of MSCS. "In response to your request, our office can assist the Commission in determining the appropriate scope and feasibility of a forensic audit. As such, this engagement will require specialized expertise and will necessitate contracting with an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firm to perform the audit," Mumpower said in the letter. "Our office can work closely with the Commission to ensure the audit's scope aligns with best practices and will allow for meaningful insights into MSCS's financial management and compliance." The Commission requested an audit of MSCS's financials for the last five years. Within the specified timeframe, MSCS has had four different superintendents and consistently had an annual budget of well over $1 billion. While the budgeted amount for the audit is only $50,000, the cost will likely exceed that. During the commission meetings where the item was discussed, Mills said the audit will cover only some of the cost and if financial mismanagement is discovered within MSCS, then the comptroller's office will take over. The audit, requested by the Commission, was another step the body took in response to the firing of ex-Superintendent Marie Feagins. State Rep. Mark White, a Republican from Memphis, said in an interview that the audit will be "instrumental" in legislation being drafted to initiate state oversight of the MSCS school board. "Not sure how long (the audit) would take, a long time we don't know exactly how the budget issues are and how the money is being spent. So (the audit) will be very helpful," White said. The Commission previously passed a vote of no-confidence on the board, prior to the firing of Feagins. Even before the controversial firing of Feagins, some Tennessee lawmakers filed bills intended to hold the board accountable for its actions. State Rep. G.A. Hardaway, a Memphis Democrat, filed a bill that would allow school board members to face recall elections. Many members of the community wanted to be able to recall board members who voted to fire Feagins, but it is not currently allowed in Tennessee. A companion bill was filed by State Sen. Brent Taylor, a Republican from Eads. As of publication, both bills have been heard at least once in the Cities & Counties Subcommittee of State & Local Government Committee in the House and the Senate State and Local Government Committee. Another bill would create an oversight board with complete authority over the MSCS school board. While the bill has not been filed yet, White has talked at length about how the implementation of a state takeover of MSCS through the bill would look similar to legislation passed in Texas. According to reporting from Houston Public Media, a non-profit news service, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath appointed HISD's new superintendent and nine school board members. The appointments in Texas were permitted through a bill, which was passed in 2015, that allowed the state to take over districts that had failed state standards for five or more years. In 2023 Texas was able to take over HISD. In response to the supposed state takeover legislation, a group of community leaders, business leaders, faith leaders, advocates, nonprofit leaders and elected officials joined together to oppose the action. The group met on Feb. 21 for a stakeholder meeting. The MSCS Board of Education will meet for its board retreat Feb. 28 to March 1. The retreat will be held at the Teaching & Learning Academy at 2485 Union Ave. but will not be live streamed. Commercial Appeal politics and education reporter Brooke Muckerman will be hosting community office hours on March 5 from 4-6 p.m. at the Raleigh Library, 3452 Austin Peay Hwy in Memphis. If you have a question about education or children's issues you would like The CA to take on, please send an email to government and politics reporter Brooke Muckerman. She can be reached via the following methods: Via phone or text: 901-484-6225 X, previously Twitter: @BrookeMuckerman Via email: This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: TN Comptroller won't audit MSCS, will help county find accountants
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
County commissioners nominate Dr. Feagins for Black History Month honors
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County Commissioners made a statement honoring the recently fired Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Marie Feagins. Despite Dr. Feagins' acrimonious exit from the school board, she's been welcomed with open arms by many others around Memphis. The nomination to have Dr. Feagins honored for Black History Month came from not one but two Shelby County Commissioners who said while her time was short, she will go down as a catalyst for change for Memphis-Shelby County Schools. 'She was actually doing the work and I think what she has done is open people's eyes to (see) we are not going to settle for empty words,' Commissioner Amber Mills said. Mills said when she decided to nominate Dr. Feagins, her colleague Edmund Ford was already in talks with the former superintendent. 'I don't care if she has been here eight months,' Ford said. 'The person I want to recognize for Black History Month 2025 was Dr. Marie Feagins.' 'The perfect storm': Dr. Feagins' contract termination puts school board under microscope Dr. Feagins was ousted last month by six school board members. She is now suing Memphis-Shelby County Schools and alleged board members violated the law when they planned to fire her. 'I will say that you took it very professionally and I don't know that I would've been able to do that,' Ford said. Despite serving less than a year, Dr. Feagins warns her tenure is a lesson for those seeking leadership positions. 'Especially women and especially women of color, you got to take the kicks with it as well,' Feagins said. 'But I am not a victim.' However, Dr. Feagins said she has heard the concerns. 'I would encourage people to continue to remain hopeful, not in me, but in what could be as a collaborative effort (by a) collective group of people who decided that they want something different,' she said. But her supporters want someone like Dr. Feagins, who will pursue change in the district. County orders forensic audit for Memphis-Shelby County Schools financial records Change that will improve the quality of education for the children. 'There is just a lot of things that need to be aired out, it's a lot of corruption going on,' supporter Adiddy Clark said. 'It was just unfair to her, so I just want her to know that we are still standing with her.' Standing with Dr. Feagins, while county commissioners press on looking for answers. 'I think there will be no trust in the leadership of Memphis-Shelby County Schools until a forensic audit is done,' Mills said. Mills said the $50,000 forensic audit ordered by the county commission two weeks ago may now be delayed as the commissioners said they may need to find more funding. 'Commissioner Ford and I sent a letter to the Comptroller and heard back from him, that he is willing to step in and guide us and help us find a certified CPA that's not comprised or anything here locally to do the work, so it will take a while,' Mills said. Commissioners previously gave Memphis-Shelby County Schools till March 31 to secure a firm or entity for this audit. We will see if that deadline will be met. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MSCS interim chief says he's meeting with state leaders
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The new interim leader of Memphis Shelby County Schools says he has scheduled a meeting with Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who said Monday the state will take over the local school board. Dr. Roderick Richmond, who was appointed just minutes after the school board voted to terminate Marie Feagins from the position a week ago, spoke Tuesday with WREG's Alex Coleman. Who is MSCS Interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond? 'I can understand there being some level of apprehension, but I think the board made the decision that they thought was in the best interest of the district by putting me in as the interim, so that we can continue with some of our continuity, and I can provide some of the stability that is needed to move our district forward,' Richmond said. Richmond said he has met with senior staff and is working on his 100-day plan. He also has met with Republican state Rep. Mark White — who is introducing legislation to allow the state to intervene in MSCS — and Democratic Rep. G. A. Hardaway. He also said he has scheduled a meeting with House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who told media outlets Monday that the state will declare the MSCS board 'null and void' and take over the local district. House Speaker says state will take over MSCS in radio interview; Democrats respond Asked what he wanted to tell Sexton, Richmond said, 'First of all, I think the district is in good hands with me as the interim at this time, to provide continuity and stability. I also think that if given the chance, we'll be able to move this district forward, and we'll be able to create a district that can be a model for the nation when it comes to educating urban students. I would tell him to just give me a chance and an opportunity.' He continued, 'Anyone that knows Dr. Richmond will tell you that he's the type of person that is going to hold people accountable, and he's going to allow data and logic to drive each and every decision to make in our district.' 'The board voted, and the board spoke. Dr. Richmond has done this for over 30 years. He has the qualifications, and that's why we chose him as our interim superintendent.' Richmond was joined on WREG by school board chair Joyce Dorse Coleman, who proclaimed by Richmond's three decades of experience in local schools. She also stood by the decision to terminate Feagins' contract, despite what some felt was a lack of clear evidence. 'We had enough evidence. We would not have operated if we did not have proof. You know the saying, the proof is in the pudding? We had the proof,' Dorse Coleman said. 'It's taking nothing away from Dr. Feagins. She was a great person. It just wasn't the right fit for our district at the time.' Feagins has hired an attorney who has asked some local officials to retain records for litigation. 'I will see them in court,' Feagins said the night of her termination. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
