MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An MSCS spokesperson has responded after many parents were given little to no warning their child’s school was being let out due to Hurricane Francine on Thursday.
A Facebook post put out by the district Thursday announcing the early closures features scores of parents in the comments slamming MSCS for their lack of communication.
“We understand the frustration of parents, we really do, but we just want them to know the safety of their children is our first priority,” said MSCS spokesman Jermaine Johnson.
This isn’t the first time MSCS has been criticized for how it communicates with parents recently.
A six-year-old brought a loaded gun to Geeter K-8 on Sept. 5, and parents complained about not receiving an alert until the end of the day. On Wednesday, a similar incident brought the same complaint.
MSCS defended their communication policies on Thursday evening and said parents should make sure their info is updated to receive calls and texts about their child's school.
“We really have to think about the safety and the livelihood of our children. All of that goes into the decision, and that's why it felt like it was late. But to us, we were always on top of it,” Johnson said.
Other districts took a more proactive approach. Collierville Schools announced on Wednesday that all its schools would be getting out early due to the weather.
JC Bowman, who represents a statewide teachers association, ties the issue to the many staffing changes at MSCS over the past year.
“When you move people around - the positions - things get lost and things don't get picked up. This is a classic example,” Bowman said. “I guarantee you there was some point person there that is no longer with the system or has moved on, and we see things get falling through the cracks.”
MSCS said schools are expected to be back in session on Friday, but all parents should be frequently checking to see if school will let out early once again.
The district wants parents to know they are always looking at ways to improve their communication strategies.
“Updating communications is an ongoing process. Every day we’re seeing where the problems are,” Johnson said. “That’s why we’re always encouraging them to go into the system, make sure their information is updated.”