Communication Challenges at Memphis Shelby County Schools: A Parent’s Perspective
Memphis, Tenn. – Communication challenges are making headlines at Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS), and many parents are sharing their concerns. Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins recently acknowledged that these issues existed before she took the helm of the largest school system in Tennessee earlier this year. In fact, it seems that over 100,000 families didn’t receive critical text messages and phone calls during the last two emergencies, leading to chaos for parents and students alike.
Grading Communication: An Eye-Opening Experience
At a recent community huddle in Hickory Hill, Dr. Feagins revealed that if the district were graded on its communication efforts, it wouldn’t make the grade. “C…C…C…D…C…and I ended up with an F,” she candidly shared, “It’s either an A or it’s an F.” This frank admission was met with nods of understanding from parents like Jackie Lathon, who experienced the fallout firsthand during the recent districtwide lockdown.
“It makes it hectic,” Jackie expressed. “That means I have to rush and try to find somebody to pick up my child. She might be sitting outside or standing outside, and I might not be there because I knew too late.” It was clear that the lack of timely alerts had left many parents scrambling and felt unprepared for unexpected situations.
Challenges with Contact Information
During the huddle, Dr. Feagins emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the problem. One major issue is outdated parent contact information, which she noted was a longstanding problem before her arrival. “I own the things that I’ve inherited,” she said, “but I also know that this didn’t just start in my tenure.” The superintendent has made it a priority to focus on solutions for improving communication moving forward.
A Need for Better Media Relations
Another area identified for improvement is the way the MSCS Media Relations Department communicates with local media. A lack of responsiveness to calls, texts, and emails has raised concerns about transparency in communication. Unlike other local government agencies, where staff members provide their names and contact information, MSCS replies often come as generic responses, making it difficult for the media to follow up with questions or concerns. “So, where we can be great partners, that is certainly something we can be committed to,” Dr. Feagins said.
Building Trust and Collaboration
Despite the communication hiccups, Jackie Lathon left the huddle feeling hopeful. She trusts that Dr. Feagins and her team will rise to the occasion in future emergencies. “I feel like it will get better with time,” she commented, “We just have to work together. I feel like it’ll get better.” Her optimism reflects a shared sentiment among parents eager for better communication from the district.
Unblocking Communication Lines
Another issue at hand is that about 5,000 families have blocked MSCS on their devices for reasons that remain uncertain. Dr. Feagins speculates that some families may be overwhelmed by the volume of messages from the district or their child’s school. Addressing these concerns will be crucial in ensuring that families remain connected and informed.
Looking Ahead
As Dr. Feagins and her team work towards improving communication, it’s clear that the road ahead will take collaboration and commitment from everyone involved. Parents hope to see a stronger, more efficient system that keeps them informed and helps kids stay safe and secure. After all, communication is key in ensuring that families and educators are on the same page.
