First: What the Community is Saying about "Towanna Murphy"

Towanna Murphy has demonstrated poor character and low road leadership throughout her time as a board member. She made immature public statuses on social media against Feagins before this ordeal which communicates that the agenda has always been to get Feagins out.

Leaders must be able to maintain confidentiality and respectful communication. Towanna's professionalism is unpredictable and unreliable. She has difficulty with the need to be recognized and seen as a hero.

This could stem from unhealed trauma or not being held accountable for her outbursts. She needed to be calmed down on several occasions by the older board member when addressing the public. This behavior incites violence and poisons collaboration.

It creates a "bully" culture that continues the very patterns of behavior that many spoke up about at the meeting when they mentioned "cliques". These behaviors mimic reality shows and entertainment industry tactics. There is too much at risk for her behavior.

Towanna Murphy always has been an embarrassment to this dear city… their actions from last night's meeting should be enough to fire all of them… Keep Dr. Feagins… change doesn't happen overnight.

Towanna Murphy should have never been on any board, not even a skateboard! Her past with the cussing pastor, her jail record should have not even allowed her to be on the board. She is not for the kids or community!

Now for the Article

Written by: JR Robinson

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Board Commissioner Towanna Murphy has recently come under intense scrutiny for her role in attempting to terminate Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins, who has been in the position for less than a year.

Murphy, a former educator with 15 years of experience, has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with Dr. Feagins' performance. In a recent interview, she cited concerns about unsigned contracts, canceled programs, and alleged insubordination[1]. However, her actions have sparked outrage among community members and education advocates.

The attempt to oust Dr. Feagins has been met with significant backlash. At a recent board meeting, nearly all public comments were in support of the superintendent, with many speakers urging the board to postpone any vote on termination[2]. The community's reaction has been one of disbelief and frustration, with accusations that the move is politically motivated rather than based on Dr. Feagins' actual performance.

Murphy's qualifications for her board position have also come under question. While she has a background in education, critics argue that her actions demonstrate a lack of understanding of the complexities involved in running a large school district like MSCS.

The controversy surrounding Murphy and her fellow board members' actions threatens to derail the progress MSCS has made in recent years. Dr. Feagins was hired after an extensive 18-month search process and was chosen for her deep understanding of urban education and commitment to equity[8]. Her termination so soon into her tenure would be a significant setback for the district.

It is imperative that Commissioner Murphy and her colleagues put aside any personal agendas and focus on what's best for the students of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. The board should commit to working collaboratively with Dr. Feagins, providing her the support and resources necessary to implement her vision for the district. Only through unity and a shared commitment to excellence can MSCS hope to become one of the best school systems in the country.

The community's message is clear: it's time for the board to cease these divisive actions and instead channel their energy into supporting Dr. Feagins and the students she serves. The future of Memphis' children depends on it.