MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As the dust settles on a chaotic week for Tennessee's largest public school district, a community is preparing for what could be a massive shake up to county leadership.
“They’re supposed to be our voice,” said Veronica Boyd, a volunteer at Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH).
On June 10, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Marie Feagins laid out a plan to move hundreds of central office employees into MSCS classrooms to address absenteeism. Just a few days later, the school board said 'not so fast,' to Feagin's plan until more details were released.
However, this did not stop the head of human resources, Quentin Robinson, from sending a lengthy message to the superintendent and the school board. Robinson called Feagins actions reckless and said his 25 years of advice had been ignored by the superintendent.
Amid all of this, the district is trying to finalize a budget before an end of the month deadline, all while preparing for a potential revamp of school board leadership
"From Frayser, to Raleigh, to small portions of unincorporated Shelby County…Berclair and Jackson Heights…their school board’s seats are up,” said Venita Doggett, the MICAH education equity co-chair.
On August 1, five of the nine school board chairs will be up for grabs in the county election. A crowded pool of 20 candidates are vying to lead the school district, primed to face the demands of MSCS parents, teachers and other stakeholders.
ABC24 asked on Nextdoor what people would like to see from the school board. Answers ranged from supporting efforts that would improve student reading scores, to more funding for teachers, even patience for Feagins.
"I think we should definitely support our new superintendent," Elizabeth Warner said. "I think she will do her job if we all give her the opportunity."
"Need more funding in schools and teacher’s wages instead of board members' pockets," said Angela Garcia.
"Education is triangular…students, teachers and parents," said M.A. Morales. "It is totally unacceptable that 60% of 3rd graders cannot read at grade level. Involve the parents, have incentives for accomplishments, be competitive!"
But those like Doggett said focus should be put on MSCS' potential budget now that COVID-era funds have officially dried up.
“The board approves the budget, and obviously we want to make sure there is transparency in all of that process,” Doggett said.
The process itself is something MICAH, and education outlet Chalkbeat, hope to address Monday evening. The two organizations are some of the minds behind the School Board Candidate Forum on Monday, June 17, at Idlewild Presbyterian Church.
Doors will open at 1750 Union Avenue starting at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., and signups can be found using THIS LINK. Eighteen out of the 20 candidates up for the school board in districts 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 will be there according to MICAH. Child care and food will be provided.
The forum's schedule is below:
6 - 7pm: Panel with candidates from districts 4 and 7
Moderated questions with candidates
Live audience questions
Intermission
7 - 8pm: Panel with candidates from districts 2, 3 and 5
Moderated questions with candidates
Live audience questions
“We want to make sure that people know what’s included in that, because those decisions directly impact their child’s education," Doggett said.