Memphis-Shelby County Schools credits facilities staff for being this week’s MVPs

Memphis-Shelby County School (MSCS) leaders say proactive efforts to winterize schools and increase facility staff is paying dividends during this week’s cold winter weather.For the first time since the merger of Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools, the district has a plant manager stationed at each school to provide expertise and additional resources to facilities teams.District leaders say that change played a valuable role supporting the aging buildings that are less energy efficient and require more money and personnel to maintain.“The members of our facilities teams are the real MVPs. Using their MSCS work trucks, they have inspected schools on a regular schedule during this freezing weather and activated at a moment's notice,” said Chief of Business Operations Julius Muse. “We’ve also made better use of energy-management systems to monitor water temperatures throughout our schools, giving an early alert of freezing pipes. Thanks to this meticulous planning, our buildings have fared well in these frigid conditions.”The deep freeze kept Memphis-Shelby County School buildings closed this entire week as many residential streets and sidewalks remain unplowed across the district, creating  hazardous conditions for both students and drivers.The district instructed all school-based personnel to stay home and central office employees have continued to work remotely.“The forecast of piercingly cold wind chills and slick roads would make a slippery commute not only for staff and carpoolers but also for students waiting at bus stops. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, schools will remain closed.” said Interim Superintendent Toni Williams Thursday night. “As we continue in this deep freeze, we encourage everyone to stay home, stay warm, and stay safe.”The district also postponed events and school activities along with Report Card Day that will now occur on Jan 23.The district also made the decision to postpone the final phase of its superintendent search to the beginning of February.