Memphis-Shelby County Schools officials promise staff won't lose their jobs under district reorganization plan

Memphis Shelby County School Board members and Superintendent Marie Feagins addressed concerns about the school system’s plans to reorganize district personnel at Tuesday’s meeting, reassuring current staff that they will remain employed with the district.

“No one will be without a job. It may not be the job you desire or the job you presently have, but we want to reassure you opportunities will be made available,” board member Althea Greene said to attendees during the meeting.

Superintendent Feagins further clarified district plans to restructure personnel, adding that students have “really pressing needs” and that the reorganization plan aims to help meet those needs “in a sustainable way.”

“In this season that we’re in, we need more of our resources to be in the classroom. With more than 400 vacancies and growing as we think about retirements and general separations from the district, the work exists in our school buildings,” she said.

“In making what is perceptually tough decisions, I figured and felt and still believe that what was the most balanced approach was not to lay off individuals but was to offer something that is necessary to do the work,” she continued. “That something may come with a different title or a different salary."

Feagins noted that those working in the central office, in particular, will likely see changes to their titles and salaries. She said not every department will be impacted in the ongoing process.

“Restructuring and reorganization is continuous and doesn’t happen overnight,” she noted.

Feagins also said that officials will have more information on the reorganization plan following their board retreat this weekend, and added that her email is open to staff who have any questions about personnel changes.

“I want to clarify that if the opportunity presented to you is one that you would like, in terms of impacted personnel, then everyone can have a job because there are more than enough vacancies,” she said. “I offer as much peace about it as I can … I think this is the most balanced way we can make sure something is offered to you.”