Big Changes for Memphis-Shelby County Schools as Security Director Resigns After Just Days on the Job

MEMPHIS—The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) system is going through quite a whirlwind right now, especially after the resignation of George Harris, the recently appointed executive director of safety and security. It seems like it was just yesterday that he was welcomed into his new role, but just over a week later, he’s already out the door, citing personal reasons.

This abrupt departure has raised eyebrows, especially since it comes on the heels of a hotly contested meeting between Harris and school resource officers. During that meeting, many officers expressed serious concerns about their pay, with some even threatening to walk out if they didn’t see a wage increase. And, well, they did just that. According to video from the meeting, tensions ran high, showcasing the urgency for change in how MSCS compensates its security personnel.

In a statement reflecting on his brief tenure, Harris said he had enjoyed working with an “amazing team” of fellow directors and acknowledged the important work they are doing within the district. Though the specifics behind his sudden resignation remain unclear, the backlash from the meeting definitely raises questions about the challenging climate he stepped into.

The recent developments in the district don’t stop with Harris’s resignation though. In light of the tense Sunday meeting, MSCS is looking to roll out a new salary schedule designed to give a significant boost to the pay of security staff. This new plan is set to be implemented in the coming months and appears to promise better pay for an often underappreciated group of workers.

The proposed salary structure, which was detailed in a letter sent by Superintendent Marie Feagins, comprises a five-step payment plan over a five-year period. Officers at MSCS are expected to see their starting pay rise substantially. Step one of the new pay structure sets the starting wage for officers at $25 an hour. By the end of the five years, those same officers could see their pay reach up to $30 an hour.

Sergeants at MSCS will also benefit from the new wage structure. They’re expected to start at $34 an hour, with the potential to bump their pay to approximately $38 an hour by the conclusion of the five years. This new salary scale is a clear recognition from the district about the importance of providing adequate compensation for those responsible for keeping schools safe.

Within the educational system, safety is a top priority, and having well-supported and fairly compensated personnel is essential for maintaining a secure environment for students. The recent events underscore the pressing need for school districts nationwide to address these issues head-on.

As Harris’s resignation creates a significant gap in the security division, it’s uncertain how the district plans to fill his shoes while negotiating these new salary changes. It’s a pivotal moment for MSCS, as they will need to ensure that their security teams are well-prepared to manage the responsibilities of keeping schools in Memphis safe.

Overall, the sudden shift has generated a lot of discussion within the community. Parents, students, and local leaders are all closely watching how MSCS navigates this unusual situation. Will they find a replacement for Harris quickly, or will this gap in leadership persist for a while longer? How smoothly will the new salary structure roll out? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: keeping our schools secure in Memphis is more important than ever.

In an ever-evolving educational landscape, it’s crucial to make sure that every member of the school community feels valued and supported. As the district moves forward, both the leadership and the resource officers must engage in open dialogue to foster a more collaborative environment where concerns about school safety and personnel needs are addressed proactively.

In summary, Memphis is gearing up for some serious changes in its school security landscape. With a newly proposed pay structure on the table and the unexpected departure of a key leadership figure, the upcoming weeks will be critical as the MSCS looks to solidify a plan to keep both students and staff safe.