Memphis Schools Face Leadership Instability as Special Assistant Resigns After Just Four Months

Memphis Schools Experience Leadership Shake-Up as Special Assistant Resigns

In a surprising turn of events, the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) are facing another leadership change as Camalyn Turner, the newly appointed Special Assistant to Superintendent Marie Feagins, has decided to resign after only four months in the role. Turner, who officially began her position in June, will wrap up her time with the district on October 22, according to her resignation letter that has been circulated among senior leaders.

Change Comes Quickly

Turner’s departure is not just a minor footnote in the school district’s ongoing evolution. It’s part of a larger narrative of upheaval within the MSCS administration. For context, Turner formerly held a similar position with Atlanta Public Schools, which made her hire seem promising for the district. However, she hasn’t provided any details about why she chose to leave so soon.

This resignation marks the second high-profile exit in a very short period. Just a couple of months ago, George Harris, who served as the Executive Director of Safety and Security, also stepped away from his role for “personal reasons.” His resignation came on the heels of threats from security staff to strike, adding further tension to the current landscape of school leadership.

A Response from District Leadership

In response to the recent changes, a spokesperson for Superintendent Feagins has stated that there are currently no additional comments regarding Turner’s resignation. However, during a recent interview broadcasted on the school district’s radio station, Feagins took the opportunity to address concerns surrounding staffing cuts that have stirred controversy among parents and staff alike. “What I have only offered and what I continue to say is, trust me until I give you a reason not to,” she expressed. “I don’t wake up trying to harm anyone, you know to cause any dissention nor strife.”

Board Members React

The news of Turner’s resignation caught many off guard, including Joyce Dorse-Coleman, the school board’s vice-chair. She expressed her surprise in a statement, saying, “I, like so many others, am just hearing this shocking news. No details have been given to the board. We wish Ms. Turner nothing but the best.”

Some state representatives have weighed in on the situation. State Rep. G.A. Hardaway acknowledged that transitions like these can cause disruptions, yet he emphasized the rationale behind selecting Feagins for the superintendent role. “I don’t think it is anything unusual about having upheaval when you switch CEOs and top people,” he stated. He encouraged patience and understanding, stressing that until one actually steps into the shoes of leadership, it’s hard to judge the decisions being made.

Meanwhile, State Rep. Jesse Chism also highlighted the importance of allowing the school board the time it needs to implement necessary changes. “A duly elected school board brought her in, and we want to give her a little time to get done the things that they’re trying to do, so it’s going to take some patience from everyone,” he advised.

Looking Ahead

The timing of Turner’s departure is particularly interesting as it comes just a day after discussions among school board members about the way they evaluate their new superintendent. Some members are advocating for a change in the evaluation criteria, focusing more heavily on staff relations moving forward. This could indicate some underlying concerns about the current administration’s dynamics.

As Memphis schools move forward in this period of transition, the community is left wondering what implications these changes will have on the students and the overall school environment. One thing is clear: change is in the air, and the road ahead may require a bit of patience and understanding from everyone involved.