MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education passed a resolution Tuesday, June 11, requesting a halt to any further layoffs until Superintendent Marie Feagins presents a more detailed plan.
“We want to make sure that we are fair to our employees," MSCS board chair Althea Greene said Tuesday after the resolution passed. "We just want to make sure that we do right by people. And doing right is communicating. How would you feel if you were told that your job wouldn’t exist Friday and Friday was your last paycheck?”
During a press conference earlier on Tuesday, Feagins defended her proposals. She said being the state's largest school district comes with making decisions not everyone will fully understand.
"While all of this is uncomfortable, we struck the most balanced approach possible without saying, 'Hey, you are cut, laid off effective this date,'" Dr. Feagins said. "Here's an offer for you to do this particular role in this particular capacity to meet this specific need, as the district demonstrates itself right now."
Dr. Feagins said the need to shift staff from administrative to teaching roles comes as the district currently has 552 classroom vacancies in the classroom.
During the press conference, Feagins was adamant that adding more teachers in the classroom would address the 83 percent of students who lack proficiency in math and the 78 percent of students who are not proficient in reading.
"If we're looking for something different on the other side of this month, on the other side of this quarter, on the other side of this year, for sure - which is the expectation, quite ambitious, that I've placed upon our principles and leaders - then we have to be committed to doing the hard things."
Feagins' decision has received a mixed reaction from the community.
“Why such a drastic happening when you don’t necessarily have to at the moment?" Memphian Kemario Brown said. "Give yourself some time. Show us how this is going to improve education in our kids."
One MSCS mother supports Feagins' plan.
“Dr. Feagins is doing what she has to do to make sure we get the resources to the classroom and staff these classrooms with qualified teachers," parent Natoria Carpenter said.
Dr. Feagins said she's confident a thinner central office staff can push the district forward. She did acknowledge there is a need to bring in more qualified teachers, which is the reason why the district is expanding teacher recruitment efforts through national programs.