Veteran lawyer Tanya Frey and anti-violence program leader T.L Harris were elected as new members of the Memphis-Shelby County School Board in the district’s first partisan school board election last week.¶
Both as Democrats, Frey and Harris ran against independent challengers in the District 6 and 8 races. No Republicans qualified to be on the ballot.¶
Democratic incumbents Michelle McKissack from District 1 and Joyce Dorse Coleman from District 9 also ran unopposed.¶
Frey and Harris will take office on Sept. 1.¶
Frey Promises Thoughtful Decision-Making
Frey runs Terra Firma Consulting, an organization that provides support for nonprofit leadership. Frey worked as a lawyer for over 21 years, working with companies such as ALSAC and AutoZone.¶
Frey’s campaign has steadied itself on “leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and accountability” that serves the school community, students, educators and staff, and families.¶
Frey has said she hopes to use her law background to focus on employment law to provide better policies for employee benefits and support.¶
Following her win, Frey shared in a post on her social media, thanking everyone who participated in her campaign, her family, and District 8.¶
“I’m looking forward to working alongside my fellow board members, listening to our families and educators, and staying focused on what matters most: better outcomes for the students of MSCS,” Frey said.¶
Frey will replace current board member Amber Huett-Garcia, who was elected yesterday as Shelby County Commissioner.¶
Opening Doors With Education
Harris narrowly won last May’s District 6 Democratic primary with less than 200 votes. He’s been a Whitehaven neighborhood resident for more than 30 years and spent three years leading community centers for the Memphis Gun Down summer program.¶
In 2006, Harris pled guilty to a federal drug charge as a Memphis police officer at the time. He served time in federal prison but later had his voting rights and right to hold public office restored. Harris said while people like to talk about his past mistakes, he does too. He “turned things around and hopes he can help others do the same,” according to a statement on his Facebook.¶
“I want to show kids that redemption is real. If I can do it, they can do it,” Harris said. “I always tell children that any door they want can be opened with education.”¶
Harris’ campaign focused on advocacy for strong Pre-K-to-third-grade literacy, accountability and results, and support for teachers.¶
Following his win, Harris posted a statement thanking his community and everyone who voted for him.¶
“It took a lot to make it happen. The people of District 6, you all showed up and made your voice heard,” Harris said.¶
Harris will replace District 6’s incumbent Keith Williams.¶
