Say "Hello" to Shelby County Schools

Well, hello Shelby County School System ! That was difficult because some of us are still in pain while saying "goodbye" to Memphis City Schools.   I never felt the merger was in the best interest of Memphis. But, I understood the threat Shelby County Schools lead by David Pickler to impact our funding by pursuing special school districts.  I always felt we should have welcomed that fight and gone to court because special school district for Shelby County would have been unconstitutional.

As a former school board member and city council chair, I was disappointed that the city disavowed themselves from supporting education by stripping their funding and forcing them to cut their budget. And the fact that they refused to find a way to pay them what is owed is an insult that I won't forget during the next election. Councilman Bill Morrison lead that charge to take the money from Memphis City Schools while he worked for Shelby County Schools and received a promotion from the school system. 

But Karma is something. Every since that money was removed this Council has not solved its budget problems.  The challenges they faced grew larger.  Bad Karma.

Honestly, the merger and the actions of the City have been painful for our school system.  I have talked to former cafeteria workers who confessed that they regretted the vote for the merger. I met a man on a truck cutting my neighbor's grass who worked for the custodial department.  Now, he trying to feed his family the best he can and they are now without healthcare.  He felt betrayed by his Union who told them that their jobs were protected and the merger would be good for them.  The law only protected the salaries of the teachers. 

 Here are the facts.

• Shelby County Teachers received a raise, but not Memphis City Schools Teachers because the law required their salaries to be equalized. Shelby teachers made less that Memphis City School Teachers and now they make the same.
• Four thousand people lost jobs from the school system the last three years.  Many will not find jobs because out here and our officials know that because those skill sets are needed in the new corporate manufacturing  and technology jobs. 
• The merger hurt our working poor because those who are working for the system will not receive a living wage and benefits.
• The unions were dismantled. 
• We are spending less per pupil on education when our needs for children in schools are greater.

But, with all those facts, I still salute this Board for finding a way to keep the doors of public education open for over 130,000 children this year.  And now that it is merged, let's work toward student achievement.  They played the hand they were dealt. It was not a good hand, but they did not quit and for that I say "Thank you". As my Granny would say, "You made a way out of no way."  

The one thing we can do to support our new system is demand that the Mayor and Council work out a multiple year payment plan to give them the $57 million that will be needed to educate our children.  It is almost insulting to talk about a sales tax increase for PK when the City won't pay what they owe, already. 

Congratulations to Dr. Freda Williams who stood on principle when all attacked her.  Congratulations to Commissioners Hart and Jones for leading the charge for Something New in Memphis and Shelby, a merged system.  This is third chapter of this saga.  The story has a chance to prove me wrong and I hope it will.  But, I must give much respect to those on both sides of this issue.  Shelby County School is "ours".  Let's work like it belongs to all of us.  I am sad about saying goodbye to MCS, but I am hopeful for our future.  And I will commit to Shelby County Schools?  Will you? So, City of  Memphis, pay your tab.

TaJuan Stout Mitchell
The Notetaker
Taking Notes and a few names...