MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins is standing her ground when it comes to reorganizing the district. She says the restructure means some employees will see a change in jobs and pay.
At Tuesday night’s Memphis Shelby County School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins addressed concerns surrounding her decision to reorganize the district.
“That something may come with a different title. It may come with a different salary, but it does come with the need that will never disappear if we don’t do something different,” said Feagins. “In making what is perceptually tough decisions, I figured and felt and still believe that what was the most balanced approach was not to lay off individuals but was to offer something that was necessary to do the work.”
Feagins says those changes will come with a different title and salary for some employees, particularly those working in the central office.
“It is necessary to kind of trim what’s happening central office-wise. I did the same in my office. I got three folks with me and that’s it,” she said.
Dr. Feagins says not every department will be impacted, but it is a continuous process. She says the goal is to allocate resources and qualified educators back to the classroom.
“With nearly 85% of students not performing proficiently in math, and another 78% not reading on grade level, I think we understand where the resources need to be,” said Feagins.
Dr. Feagins says the district has roughly 415 vacancies out of the more than 5,700 available positions.
📡 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.
📧 Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox.
Upon looking at the MSCS careers page, WREG found the majority of those positions are for classroom teachers.
Board members say they want to assure employees that opportunities will be available.
“No one will be without a job. It may not be the job that you desire or the job that you presently have,” said Rev. Althea Greene of District 2.
Board members say they are expected to meet for a retreat this weekend to discuss the budget and the district’s organizational changes.
