MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County Schools has had several high-profile district positions turn over between the summer and now.
The most recent resignation was just days ago.
Director of Facilities Brian Shipp resigned from his position. He oversaw things like construction and maintenance.
No one answered the door at an address listed for Shipp on Wednesday.
Someone contacted WREG claiming to have contacted the state Comptroller’s Office, requesting it investigate Shipp’s department.
The Comptroller’s Office said it cannot discuss notifications it receives, and it cannot comment on investigations. A spokesperson for the office confirmed that there is not a public report available currently regarding the former director.
SCS would not elaborate on Shipp’s resignation but said it was unaware of any investigations.
Shipp’s position is one of several positions turning over at the district.
Just this month, SCS announced that it filled the vacant positions of chief information officer, chief of internal audit and chief financial officer.
The CFO position was empty because the district fired former CFO Alicia Lindsey over the summer. The district said the others resigned their posts for other employment opportunities, one of which was within the district.
Lindsey filed a lawsuit against the district. The lawsuit claims she was discriminated against.
The complaint indicated she was fired after telling officials she found the district was calling for more money to pay Durham for a school bus contract than the board approved.
The lawsuit alleges the administrator who called for the incorrect amount of money was allowed to leave instead of being fired.
Some parents are not sure what the shake-ups mean for SCS.
“I don’t know. It just doesn’t seem like it’s good management going on, does it?” grandmother Renada Acoff said.
“Try to find out why,” another mother said.
In a statement, SCS said:
“Turnover in a District of our size, or any large employer for that matter, is not unexpected. Many employees have gained great experience working with Shelby County Schools over the years that has led them to new employment opportunities. We are fortunate to have very capable staff in all divisions who are equipped to serve in interim leadership roles as needed, ensuring that ongoing priorities continue to receive the proper attention and support.”
