Memphis-Shelby County School Board member Stephanie Love took a moment during Tuesday evening’s meeting to address the recent shootings in the Frayser community.
Love says those shootings claimed the lives of two kids in her district and she called for a discussion on what more can be done for students and communities.
“Kids die, the whole community is affected. This has to stop. No more blaming the school system, or the mayor, or the parents. We need to get together and find out what is on our children’s mind that they have to shoot somebody. Time out for the clicks. Time out for the blaming game. Our children are dying at a record number,” said Love. “Because of all the things our security has to do, I am bringing forth a discussion to have our police force – two police officers (were) on the scene yesterday killing in Frayser because there wasn’t any more police officers available – I am committed to addressing the gang issue and the juvenile issue. I am committed.”
Board member Mauricio Calvo also expressed support for a discussion, but he questioned if there was anyone addressing the root causes and if there was more the school board could do as major players in the community.
“As this continues to be, as Commissioner Love says, an epidemic in our community, are we talking to people outside of the district?” asked Calvo. “Who in our team is owning that conversation on the proactive side?”
Interim superintendent Tutonial “Toni” Williams addressed Calvo’s questions and credited the board for supporting multiple programs to help. These include the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) department, disciplinary programs, counseling programs, behavioral specialists, and reset rooms in elementary schools.
Williams also told board members that their reach is only so much even with the resources they provide, however she welcomes any new ideas to expand the district’s resources.
“Our kids come with us with so many needs and the district, and I will say, can only do so much. Our role is to educate them, but through just really the support of the board, you guys have been proactive throughout the years,” said Williams. “I welcome any community support that allows us to ensure that we are moving our students, providing the wrap around support service and expanding in any way.”
