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Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent says 171 of more than 360 employees have accepted transfers into the classroom, so far

Dr. Marie Feagins said the move is meant to address a 51% absenteeism rate and improve reading and math proficiency throughout the district.

MEMPHIS, Tenn — In a video message Monday, June 10, 2024, to Memphis-Shelby County Schools staff, Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins laid out changes, including moving some staff into the classroom.

Dr. Feagins said in the video message that so far, 363 impacted personnel have been offered positions in the classroom, with 171 acceptances. She said additional offers are forthcoming and those affected will receive a “personalized notification” to outline the next steps.

“If you are impacted, I hope you will strongly consider the proposed position offered to you and continue this deep and necessary work to serve our 110,000 students in this season for Memphis Shelby County Schools,” said Dr. Feagins. “They are depending on us to move the district forward together.”

In an email to MSCS leaders, Feagins said the employees who receive an offer for a new position have the option to accept or decline. If they accept, they will start the new position on July 1. If they decline, they will be let go on June 30. Employees must make a decision on the offer by June 17.

The message from Feagins said the shift to move more people into classrooms “is directly aligned with the pressing need to maximize our budget to yield improved supports for leaders and outcomes for students.”

She said the move is meant to address a 51% absenteeism rate and improve reading and math proficiency throughout the district. 

In the email to MSCS leaders, Feagins also said the district carries a nearly 15% dropout rate, with 76 schools receiving a state-designated letter grade of D or F and fewer than 15 schools reaching a 90% or higher graduation rate. According to Feagins, the district has 1069 school-based vacancies for classroom teachers and support positions.

She said the staff transition is meant to help provide job security for those affected.

Previously, the district said it was shifting to a decentralized office, with more than 300 vacant positions able to be cut without laying off employees. At that time, MSCS said most of those personnel shifts would be from the central office to the classroom.

"As we commit to the heavy and necessary work ahead in this season for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, it is my hope that you will continue the journey as a dedicated and positive member of the team," said the email from Feagins to MSCS leaders.

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