MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Talks of a potential state takeover of the Memphis Shelby County School Board are now growing in Nashville.

Tuesday, we’re hearing from some of the key players, a week after the board fired Dr. Marie Feagins and appointed Dr. Roderick Richmond, a longtime employee of the district.

School board member Towanna Murphy, who voted to oust former superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins, recently took to Facebook about the potential takeover.

In a now-deleted post, she said:

“The last time the State took over, the schools were closed within months. I relied on verifiable facts. I am unwilling to face legal consequences for Feagins’ actions. If the State deemed the Board null and void. Would you rather have someone take control from us? My children require their mother’s presence, and I refuse to take responsibility for Feagins’ actions. Sorry, not sorry.” 

She continued:

“This is just an interference for those voucher programs. If they take over us, they have THE PARENTS, THE STUDENTS AND THE MONEY. For the families that have children with IEP, the state will interfere with the Federal government, IEP and the disability act. IEP ARE MANDATORY.” 

Later, she removed that post “because we have decided to resolve the issue with The State.”

We reached to Murphy about working with the state. She said, “We will be working together to resolve the issue.” 

Governor Bill Lee was also talking about the issue Tuesday on partner radio station 98.9.

“When a school board or an institution or some status quo group quits listening to parents and you’re talking about schools, it’s time to do something,” Lee said.

Richmond, the new interim superintendent, told Alex Coleman he has met with Tennessee state lawmakers Mark White and G.A. Hardaway and wants to meet with Cameron Sexton, Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives. 

“What I plan on saying is, first of all, I think the district is in good hands with me as the interim at this time to provide continuity and stability,” Richmond said. “I also think 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.”