MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Local 24 News political analyst and commentator Otis Sanford shares his point of view on a raise for Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Joris Ray.
It has been a tough year for education in Memphis and across the country. The coronavirus pandemic has upended classroom learning at every level – from pre k to higher ed. And nowhere have the challenges been greater than in Shelby County Schools, which has been conducting virtual classroom instruction the entire fall semester. The situation has created plenty of stress.
And yet, almost everyone agrees that Superintendent Dr. Joris Ray has done a commendable job – and then some – navigating the system through a global pandemic. Ray was rewarded for his efforts Tuesday when the county school board unanimously approved a contract extension that will keep the superintendent in place at least until January of 2025. Ray also gets an $8,500 raise that takes his annual salary to more than $293,000. The increase makes Ray by far the highest paid public official in Shelby County.
Some will no doubt take issue with such a lofty salary. But Ray has one of the two most difficult jobs in Greater Memphis – the other being Memphis police director. And by most accounts, Ray’s tenure has been successful – despite COVID 19. He has worked to make more SCS students college ready with better collaborations with Southwest Tennessee Community College and the University of Memphis.
So with all things considered, there should be no quibbling over Ray’s new contract. He has earned it. And that’s my point of view.