County commission approves audit of MSCS

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Shelby County commissioners have voted to hire an accountant to audit the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board’s spending habits.

The Shelby County Commission passed a no-confidence resolution last month when the majority of school board members voted to fire now-former Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins.

School board members claimed Feagins accepted a donation of more than $45,000 without board approval, misled them and the public about a federal grant opportunity, and did not provide proof that district employees were paid $1 million in overtime for time not worked.

Commissioners want to follow the money. So now, the commission will use $50,000 from its reserve fund to find an accounting firm that will comb through MSCS’ nearly $2 billion budget.

The price tag could increase if needed.

The resolution is backed by Commissioner Dr. Edmund Ford, Jr., Amber Mills, Britney Thornton, and Brandon Morrison.

MSCS Board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman responded to the vote with a statement Monday evening, saying that the district welcomes accountability and oversight:

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