Superintendent Fagan read her written response to a December 17 special‑call resolution seeking termination of her employment and disputed the allegations levied against her, saying the claims were "untrue" and coordinated to damage her reputation. The committee met to receive that written response; members clarified the process and heard extended discussion from board members about whether to pursue termination or adopt a substitute resolution aimed at retaining the superintendent while imposing governance, oversight, and operational conditions.

The written response recounts the superintendent’s account of actions cited in the termination resolution, including steps she says the district took to reduce overtime by $1,000,000, the handling of a $45,635.33 donation from "School C Foundation," and the disposition of American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth grant funds. The superintendent said she provided her written response to the board and the media on Jan. 6 through counsel and asked the board to consider evidence and context before acting.

The committee meeting did not include a vote. Board members reiterated the timeline established at the Dec. 17 special meeting: the board would accept a written response and the matter would be returned to the ad hoc committee for consideration. Several members said they expect the ad hoc committee to report back and the full board to consider motions at the next scheduled meeting. General Counsel and the parliamentarian clarified that a main motion already pending in committee cannot be superseded by a separate main motion unless offered as a substitute; a substitute resolution may be offered and considered when the matter returns to the full board.

At the meeting, a board member announced a substitute resolution intended to retain Superintendent Fagan while requiring a package of reforms and monitoring. The package described by the proposer included four core elements: (1) strengthened internal controls and contracting deadlines, (2) improved communication and contract‑management processes (which the proposer noted are required in the superintendent’s contract), (3) a human‑capital analysis to align staffing and roles, and (4) third‑party board governance training and periodic accountability reporting to the board. The proposer indicated the substitute would align timing with requests from the Shelby County Board of Commissioners and would include an implementation timeline through the coming budget season.

Other board members voiced sharply different views. Some members said the superintendent had not provided necessary materials in a timely way (for example, that vendors or curriculum contracts lapsed before replacements were approved) and raised concerns about the disruption of student supports and staffing decisions. Supporters of the substitute resolution said the superintendent has produced measurable gains (citing rehiring figures and enrollment increases noted in the written response) and asked for more time and structured oversight. Several speakers emphasized that no vote would be taken at the committee meeting and that any substitute motion would be considered under committee report rules when the item returns to the full board.

Procedurally, the board recorded that the Dec. 17 special call meeting had voted to refer the termination resolution back to an ad hoc committee to accept the superintendent’s written response. The committee meeting on Jan. 14 was convened to receive that response; committee leaders explicitly stated they would not vote at this session. The substitute retention resolution was previewed and sign‑on offers were stated; the parliamentarian described how a substitution would work when the matter comes back before the board.

The superintendent closed by saying she would pursue all legal remedies against anyone spreading "damaging falsehoods" about her and reiterated a focus on students and district priorities. Board leaders said further discussion and a formal vote — either on the existing termination resolution or on a substitute retention resolution — will occur at the next full board meeting after the committee report is filed.

No formal board votes on termination or retention were recorded during this session. The ad hoc committee is expected to file its report and any substitute motions at the board’s next public meeting, where members will have the opportunity to amend by substitution or vote on the pending matter.

Ending: The committee adjourned after committee business; board members and staff said they will supply requested clarifications and documentation to colleagues before the full board reconvenes to consider motion(s).