Memphis-Shelby County School Board Addresses Emergency Overtime Policy, Health Concerns, and Governance Reforms

One notable discussion concerned the necessity for a policy that allows managers to approve overtime during emergencies without fear of disciplinary actions. The existing policy requiring pre-approval by immediate supervisors posed challenges in unexpected situations, such as leaking roofs or fights breaking out. One board member argued that “we hire smart people that should know what is an emergency,” emphasizing the need for empowering employees to act swiftly during crises. Another supported this stance by pointing out instances where security officers should not need supervisor approval to respond immediately to emergencies to ensure student safety.

The need for a system that allows for prompt action in emergencies was highlighted, with frustration expressed over potential delays caused by excessive oversight. A proposal was made to amend the policy stating that all overtime must be preapproved by the employee’s immediate supervisor, the division director, and the superintendent or their designate.

The governance structure of the School Board also came under scrutiny, particularly regarding the role of the General Counsel. A board member suggested that the General Counsel should report directly to the board rather than the superintendent to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure independent oversight. Reflecting on historical precedents, it was argued that the General Counsel’s office should align with best practices by being accountable to the legislative body of the board.

Another topic was the proposed resolution to amend the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. The resolution aimed to increase the general fund by $1 million to support the construction of a STEM building in White Haven and address funding gaps related to a storm shelter. The board discussed the timing of expenditures and the importance of managing funds to maximize financial resources. There were concerns about committing the total $1 million if the storm shelter’s costs were less than anticipated, emphasizing the need for financial prudence.

Health concerns were also a prominent part of the meeting, with a presentation by the director of the health department revealing statistics about HIV and syphilis among adolescents in Shelby County. The director highlighted that Shelby County is ranked second in the nation for new HIV infections, with a significant rate of new infections among youth aged 15 to 24. The presentation called for comprehensive sexual health education and the implementation of a “Know Your Status” campaign to encourage testing and awareness among young people.

The board’s role in addressing these health concerns was debated, with suggestions for partnerships with health departments to enhance educational efforts and facilitate testing within schools. The importance of providing comprehensive sex education despite state laws that may restrict such curricula was emphasized, along with the potential for collaborative approaches to improve health outcomes.

Safety and security within schools were another focal point, particularly regarding staffing of School Resource Officers (SROs) and the need for adequate security measures for upcoming events like the Jamboree. Coordination efforts with the Memphis Police Department and Shelby County were discussed, and there was a call for clearer communication and proactive measures to ensure community awareness and engagement in safety practices.

Lastly, the meeting addressed the ongoing challenges related to employee treatment, safety, and staffing vacancies. The necessity of fostering a culture where employees feel safe to voice concerns without fear of retaliation was stressed. The superintendent provided updates on teacher vacancies, noting that while overall student enrollment had increased, several hundred vacancies still existed, particularly in the exceptional education department.