February 27th, 2006 meeting board business meeting due to inclement weather. Mr. Jenkins. Oh, I'm sorry. 2026. What? Oh, okay. That's way back, y'all. Mr.
Jenkins, please call the role. >> Board member McKisik >> here. >> Board member Garcia >> here. >> Board member Porter here. >> Board member Love >> here. >> Board member Otay. Okay. Board member Williams. Board Vice Chair Coleman.
>> Board Chair McKenna >> present. >> We have seven in the firm. >> We have a quorum. Tonight's posting of colors is presented by Sheffield High. Welcome. And I want to notice that this is an all female contingency.
Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> [music] >> Please remain standing for a moment of silence. And in this moment of silence, please take this time to join us in remembrance of West Huitt, brother of
board member Amber Huitt Garcia. We ask that you keep the Huitt family in your thoughts and prayers. I'd also like for us to pause for a moment of silence for Aubrey Mann who was a longtime employee of Memphis
Shelby County Schools as well as his daughter who passed a few years ago. You may be seated. Thank you. And I just like to say thank you to um Director Bobo as well. He's been here for quite some time and you're doing a really good job. Thank you.
Next on the item of um business is the spotlight of the arts. Mr. Jenkins, please recognize the spotlight of the arts. >> Good evening, board members and distinguished guests. It is our honor to introduce a performance that represents dedication, resilience, and the
transformative power of arts in our schools. Tonight we welcome Alcie Elementary's Majorettes and Drummers, a program created by Miss Sharon Brown, who has proudly served the Memphis Shelby County School District for 26 years in various roles. In 1998, Mrs.
Brown established what became the first elementary marching BA band in our district, opening doors for our youngest learners to experience the pride and discipline of performance. For nearly three decades, this program has supported students ages 6 to 12,
especially those facing challenges in attendance, behavior, or academics by providing a safe and encouraging space for growth, teamwork, and self-expression. The majoretses and drummers have earned numerous awards and recognition over the years, but their true legacy is the village that
surrounds them. Dedicated parents and countless alumni who return to mentor, to teach, and to inspire. Their motto is simple yet powerful. WATV. We are the village and tonight we are proud to celebrate the village they have built. Please join me in welcoming Alcar's
majoretses and drummers. Hey [panting] everybody. Heat. Heat. >> [panting] [panting] >> Heat. Heat. There we go. Heat. Heat. >> [panting]
[panting] >> What do you want? >> [snorts] >> Hey, hey, hey. [panting] clear. [music] as they leave everyone let's give them one more round of APPLAUSE
these are our scholar I this is also this is a sport this is an art. This is this is the work that we do. Academics, all of that, the timing, all
of that. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Um the next item is our um special recognition and presentations. Mr. Jenkins, please announce the special recognitions.
Thank you, chair. First, we have um board member Amber Huard Garcia with White Station Elementary, principal Bradley Breeden, uh community member Dale McGee, Memphis East Rotary, and community member. The Memphis East Rotary distributed gifts for 25 Angel
Tree students. [music] They also helped to purchase accelerated reader for the entire school. The East Memphis Rotary helps to sponsor guys and ties and girls and pearls. They have provided teachers with appreciation meals, sponsored Redbird tickets for the students of White Station as an incentive for
different achievements. Mr. McGee is the liaison from Memphis East Rotary who is a go-getter and always gets things done. Thank you. Okay, next we have YStation Middle with principal Cedric Gray. The student is Jiren Fing. White Station Middle. We
proudly nominate White Station Middle School student Jiren Fing. Jiren exemplifies academic excellence and impeccable citizenship as a Spartan. An eighth grade student at WhiteStation Middle School, Jiren also attends Waystation High School to receive advanced instruction in algebra 2. He
qualified mathematically to enroll in algebra 1 as a sixth grader and geometry as a seventh grader, demonstrating exceptional aptitude and mathematics. In addition to his academic achievements, Jiren has studied piano for seven years and plays percussion in the White
Station Middle School band. He is actively involved in after school tennis, chess, and science Olympiad clubs. Jiren was selected to represent his school on the math counts team where he earned an impressive fifth place finish at the state level with his strong academic foundation and diverse
interest. Jiren is considering a future career in engineering. >> That is awesome. even though I know he's not here, but we need to give him [applause] again this this is the work. This is the work. All right. Um >> I say I will make sure that both of our
district 8 recognitions will get their certificates and I know we changed the date on them. So, uh this is a great example of all of the talented individuals in and outside of our school. So, thank you. >> Awesome.
>> Next, we have board member Toana Murphy with um Oak Haven High School with principal Jocelyn Mosby. We would like to recognize the entire coaching staff and football team at Oakaven High School for their outstanding performance in the 2025 TWSAA class 1A football state
playoffs. The Oak Haven Hawks concluded the season with an impressive overall record of seven seven-4 and finished second in their district with a 5-1 record. Congratulations to the Hawks on a successful and outstanding season. >> Thank you, Rashan. Um, Coach Mosby is
not here and the team is not here. They have a basketball playoff game tonight at 7:00. So, y'all know I'm represent Oak Haven. So, when I leave here, I'm going to the playoff game. All right, Mr. Jenkins, our next one. >> All right, next we have Vice Chair uh
Joyce Doris Coleman U with Sheffield High School Principal Kimberly Greer. Um the students are Ibrahima Theam, an 11th grader, and Bay Sona, a 10th grader. These two students achieved a perfect score on the ASVAB, an exceptional
accomplishment and one that has never before been attained at Sheffield High School. This achievement reflects their dedication, discipline, and academic excellence. We extend our highest congratulations and are immensely proud of these young men as they set a
remarkable standard for future students. Lastly, we We have Melrose High School principal Andrea Thally. The student is Thomas Hefner. We proudly congratulate Thomas Hefner, a 10th grade quarterback from Melrose High School on being named a 2025 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football
Finalist. This prestigious honor is a testament to his exceptional performance, dedication, and leadership throughout the season. We commend Thomas on this outstanding achievement and look forward to following his continued success on and off the field.
He also has a 4.25 GPA. >> [music] >> You all, I want to recognize that what you have experienced there tonight is a um demonstration of our arts, our athletics, and our academics. This was
not said, but our young man here, he um has a cumulative 4.2. Huh. Yep. Thomas has a 4.2. So, I just want you all to just let that
resonate of all Look at all of this talent we have. all of this these scholars, these athletes and these entertainers. And so that is what we are growing here at Memphis Shelby County Schools. >> And and I'm going to take a point of
privilege and say I was his dad's teacher back at Airways Middle School. But hold on, hold on. I guess I guess I need to take a I need to take a point of privilege as well because I I played quarterback at Merrell also and it and Mr. Hefner was played quarterback as
well. So it it's that great. We serve with pride, humility. So it's that lineage of greatness. So So uh congratulations. Yeah. So congratulations again. >> That's right. That's right. >> This is awesome. All right. So I mean see what you can do. You can be a a a
educator. You can be a elected board member. There's all kinds of things you can do. Yeah. All right. So the next item of business, approval of agenda. Excuse me, chair. >> Yes, ma'am. I just want to I we would be remiss at the start of the Olympics here if we didn't acknowledge our own
colleague Sabal Oay and just >> you know her background with being an Olympian and I'm just so proud and honored to know you and I think about you when I'm watching the Olympics [laughter] bob sledding and all that good stuff. So I just had to say that I'm just so proud
of you. >> Thank you so much board member Mc Mckistik. Um I do I do have the honor of helping uh commentate on News Channel 5 the Winter Olympics. So I've been doing that the last couple times and I got two more times I think tomorrow and um Saturday. So it's definitely been an
honor and and Memphis Shelby County Schools is definitely a great place to come from. I graduated from East High School. I used to bole for the US. I came back home and I trained here on Memphis soil. I push cars. I lift weights so we can get it done. And um I had um communities that help me out. We
had gyms that will allow me to train for free. coaches that train me for free. I didn't know what to do as a new um a new bobsled athlete because it's a non-traditional sport and I'm super excited about uh all the nontraditional sports that we're bringing to Memphis Shelby County Schools as well. So, but thank you so much for that.
>> Awesome. Thank you so much. Well, shoot, we got a whole bunch of legacies in up here. So, I I appreciate that and we'll keep reminding people of what we are growing here. So the next thing is the um item of business is approval of the agenda. Are
there any amendments? >> Yes, madame chair. Uh we need to remove item 13.4 approval of uh data protection asurances between MSCS and the ASD. Item 13.4.
>> Okay. Do we have any um I see board member Huitt Garcia. So, if we also want to pull an item from the consent agenda that we'll have an opportunity in a moment or should we do that now? I have an item to add and I also have an item to pull.
>> We'll pull later when we get to consent agenda. >> Uh, Chair McKenna, I'd like to add um superintendent selection next steps under our our request for action tonight. So, 14 I believe it' be 14.2.
>> Okay. 14.1 >> I think it would be 14.2. >> Yes. >> 14.2. Thank you. >> All right. So, we have two items. Um, we are removing 13.4 and we are adding 14.2. Superintendent
next steps. Is that what you >> superintendent selection next steps? >> Gotcha. All right. If there's no objection to these amendments, can I get a Do I have a motion to approve the agenda? >> Motion to approve.
>> Second. >> It has been moved by board member Love and seconded by board member Williams. Mr. Jenkins, please take the roll call vote. Board member Mckis, >> I. >> Board member Garcia, >> I.
>> Board member Porter, I. >> Board member Murphy, I. >> Board member Love, I. Board member Otay. >> I. >> Board member Williams. >> I. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> I. >> Board Chair McKenna. >> Yes. >> You have nine in the affirmative.
>> The agenda has been approved. Next on the Next on the agenda is our time for public comment. In accordance with state statute, the board shall reserve a period for public comment during business and special call
meetings. Only those members of the public who submit public comment cards to the board chairman prior to the commencement of this meeting shall be permitted to address the board. Public comments will proceed in the order in which the public comment cards are received. A signup sheet for public
comment is available 30 minutes prior to each applicable meeting and will be closed at the start of the meeting. The signup is located at the entryway table just past the security checkpoint. Speakers must state their name, organization he or she is representing,
if any, and the subject of their comment before they are permitted to proceed. Speakers may offer objective comments about school operations and programs that concern them. Speakers are asked to address the board and not individual board members given we make decisions as
a body and to refrain from using names of personnel or names of persons connected with the school system particularly when lodging a complaint. Speakers will not be permitted to engage in gossip, make defamatory comments, or
use abusive or vulgar language. The chairman shall have the authority to terminate the remarks of any individual who is disruptive or does not adhere to the board rules regarding public comment. We have eight who signed up.
Your time is projected on the screen to your right and directly behind the board. When you hear the bell, your time has expired. I will call the first two to come up. Crystal Tuggle and Katie
Carter. Good evening. I'm Crystal Tuggle, executive director and school leader at Memphis Delta Prep Charter School. I am coming before the body um one to respect your decision to renew uh to remove our
renewal vote from the agenda today. Um but to remind you of some of the statistics regarding our school um before that vote does return um to your agenda. Um so I did want to remind you we are currently a T-Boss level 5 school. Um in the closure report
provided to us by the office of charter schools. It was stated that 77% of our student body um about 274 students are projected to attend a lower performing school than ours [music] if our school is to close. Um and we want to advocate
for the renewal of our school. Um I also want to put it before the board that we are making progress. Our school is in the best place that it has been. Um and that was reported to you in our renewal application report um from the charter school office.
I also want to share with you that we have um been in discussion um with neighboring schools about how we could partner to enrich the South Memphis community and the 38106 zip code. And I also want to share with you that you are
allowed to proceed on a vote on our renewal despite what has been previously shared. They are two different statutes. um revocation and renewal do not fall under the state statute and you under the same statute and this body could
proceed with voting um in the affirmative for our renewal legally. Uh thank you very much and if you have any additional questions I would be happy to answer them. Thank you. I think I have Katie Carter next.
Is Katie Carter here? Nope. All right. Kimberly Williams and Jasmine Hayes. Or is that Hannes? Kimberly Williams. Jasmine Haynes. All right. All right. I have Erica Anderson.
All right, I have Samantha Shell, Ana Haynes. All right. And finally, I have Joshua Bradley. Joshua Bradley. I'm going to withdraw the public comment for tonight. I was here for Delta Prep. Um I understand it's not going to be on the agenda
tonight, so we'll withhold the comment until the next time it's on the agenda. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That ends our public comments for tonight. Now we're on to approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. 8.2 Approval of the minutes of the
December 2nd, 2025 business meeting. The minutes for the December 2nd, 2025 regular business meeting have been distributed and placed on the MSCS board docs for public viewing. Are there any corrections to the December 2nd regular
business meeting minutes? Seeing there are no corrections, may we approve the minutes as distributed by general consent? If so, um, there being no objection. May I approve the um the minutes on
general consent? Just say of general yes, [music] no. Anybody? You fine. >> All right. There being no objection, the minutes are approved as distributed by general consent. We're moving on to the next item, approval of the minutes of January
20th, 2026 work session meeting. The minutes for the January 20th, 2026 work session have been distributed and placed on the MSCS board docs for public viewing. Are there any corrections to the January 20th, 20 26 work session
meetings minutes? Seeing no lights, there being no corrections, may we approve the minutes as distributed by general consent. Okay, there being no objection, the January 20th, 2026 work session minutes are
approved as distributed by general consent. Next item is 8.3 approval of the minutes of January 22nd, 2026 special call meeting. The minutes of the January 22nd, 2026 special call meeting have been distributed and placed on the MSCS
board docs for public viewing. Are there any corrections to the January 22nd, 2026 special call minute meetings? There being no corrections to the January 22nd, 2026 special call meeting minutes. May we approve those minutes as
distributed by general consent. There being no objection, the January 22nd, 2026 special call meeting minutes are approved as distributed by general consent. Next, we are on to section seven. We have the next item of business is
superintendent's recognition of grants, gifts, and donations. Superintendent. >> Yes, madam chair. There's no recognition of grants, gifts, or donations tonight. >> Thank you. Next on the agenda is the board chair's report. Um board members
and community. In January, we began our two-year governance training with the Council for Great City Schools. Because of bad weather, our first session was shortened to one day. But this was a very important first step in strengthening how we work together as a board. This training is about helping us
become better leaders for our students and our community. It connects directly to our resolution introduced by board members OT and Porter and unanimously adopted which says we are committed to working together with local and state leaders, families, and community
partners to support students and build public trust. This month during our February board business meeting, we are scheduled to approve the full training timeline. This will set a clear plan for how we continue this work over the next two years. A big part of this training
is listening. We will work intentionally with our community to hear what you want students in MSCS to know and be able to do when they graduate. Those ideas will help shape our goals. We will also ask what the community believes is
non-negotiable, meaning what must never be ignored while working toward that vision. Those ideas will help shape our guard rails which guide the superintendent on what to avoid as we move forward. This is about making sure community has ownership of
the direction of our schools while the board continues to make decisions within its legal authority. Recently, four board members attended the National School Boards Association advocacy and legislative conference. We learned that federal government promised to cover 40%
of special education costs, but Tennessee currently receives only about 13%. That means school districts must use money from general education funds to make up the difference. This affects all our students. We will continue to push
for full funding. Next week, several board members will attend the TSBA legislative conference in Nashville. [clears throat] We will receive updates on the legislative agenda that the board approved with other districts in November. Staying involved at the state and national levels helps us protect
resources for our students. This board is committed to working together, listening to our community, and making decisions that improve student outcomes and strengthen trust. So, I thank you board members for your
commitment to this governance training and your commitment to this district and our students. So, I will next we'll next we'll go with some um I think we have some birthday >> I think we have some birthdays to celebrate. >> Happy birthday. Happy birthday.
It's birthday. [laughter] Happy birthday. Can we uh can you start us off? I think you're on new sink. >> Oh, I'm Mr. Schultz. Now, happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to [singing] you. Happy birthday, dear Sable T. Who going to be on TV? Happy [screaming] birthday to you. >> Thank you all. Thank you.
And next we have a happy baited birthday to our own Rashan Jenkins, executive service advisor for the board office. It was January 13th. Happy birthday. I'm a bit of Okay, we're moving on to
the next item that of business is the committee reports 10.2. two academic performance committee report. Do we have a report? The report will be think with Dr.
Richmond. Thank you. It'll be it'll be included in the superintendent's report. >> You have a report. >> Okay. No report. >> Next is 10.3 budget audit and finance committee report.
Thank you, chair. Um I would um uh all items are on the agenda tonight. >> No report. Okay. >> 10.4 uh charter schools committee report. No report. Is that what you just said? >> No report. [laughter] >> 10.5 community outreach and engagement
committee report. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um I think we discussed it in work session yesterday, but I just wanted to bring it back up. We were going to um set up a time with Roz where we can have a food drive in district 7 so that our area could serve
uh the less fortunate in our district. >> Next item 10.6 evaluation committee report. >> Thank you chair. Uh I the public had an opportunity to see the informal evaluation results in our uh la last
month. Um and we have a couple items on the agenda tonight. Uh we are work in the process of working with interim superintendent on the formal metrics as part of his uh evaluation that is part of his contract. Um so those conversations will be forthcoming. Um
and look for more discussion tonight. Thank you. Next item 10.7 facilities ad hoc committee report. Thank you chair McKenna. I'm going to relay that to Miss Michelle if she has any updates.
Nope. No report. Next item 10.8, policy, governance and legislation committee report. Would you like me to the policies um are on the agenda? Next item 10.9 procurement committee. We
actually do not have procurement committee any longer. Next item 10.10 general council's report. >> Uh good evening and inter superintendent board members. Uh no general counsel report this evening.
>> Thank you. Next item 10.11 superintendence report. >> Yes madam chair. As part of the superintendent's report tonight, we're going to share uh one appreciation presentation that brings together board appreciation, gratitude to our MSCS
staff and counselor's appreciation. Next slide. With gratitude to the MSCS board of education, Memphis Shelby County Schools is guided by a board of education whose leadership reflects service, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to public
education. Your governance, oversight, and stewardship have helped to protect instructional integrity, ensure fiscal responsibility, and to keep student success at the center of every decision. Next slide. Your leadership sets the
vision, protects the work, and ensures that every decision made in this district remains anchored in what is best for students and the communities we serve. Thank you for the responsibility you carry and the communities you represent. Thank you board members. I
want to thank our principles. As you all know, this week uh the last two weeks we haven't been able to show you all uh our appreciation, but this week we've started uh showing our appreciation. I want you all to know we truly appreciate you. Uh staff, let's give our wonderful
board a round of applause. Next, I'd also like to thank leadership during our inclement weather. During the recent inclement weather, MSCS staff demonstrated exceptional professionalism, flexibility, and unwavering commitment to our students
and families. In the face of uncertainty, you responded with calm care and coordination, prioritizing safety while ensuring learning, communication, and essential services continued across our district. From classrooms to central office, teachers,
school leaders, academic teams, operations, maintenance, and facilities, transportation, and communications all played a vital role. Every role mattered. Every effort strengthened our district. Thank you for leading with
purpose when it mattered most. Thank you team. I want to thank you all for all that you did. [applause] Also during inclement weather was National School Counselors Week. Thank you to our school counselors. We thank
our school counselors for their unwavering commitment to supporting the academic success, well-being, and growth of our students through guidance, advocacy, and care during times of uncertainty. You help students stay supported, focused, and prepared for
success. Thank you for the vital role you play across Memphis Shelby County Schools. Thank you as always for the attention to detail and for shaping this in a way that flows clearly from presentations. Please let me know if you have any questions. We appreciate our
counselors. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Superintendent, I think you have a comment. Board member Love, and I would like to thank you. You kept us involved throughout the two weeks we
were out of school. We didn't have to text you or call you. You kept us involved the whole step of the way. and we owe you gratitude for thinking about us uh before you made any decisions.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, board member love. The second the second part of the superintendent's report will focus on the waiver request update. I know we've had a number of questions about the waiver. The waiver has been approved.
The Tennessee Department of Education has approved a request from Memphis Shelby County Schools for a waiver of the state's requirement for 100 instructional days specific for January 26 through 30th. These closures were necessary due to hazardous conditions
caused by a significant winter ice storm that impacted campuses, transportation routes, and the overall safety of students and staff. With all available stockpile days already utilized, the district sought assistance from the state to avoid extending the school year
or adjusting the academic calendar. Next slide. Under Tennessee code uh annotated 49-6304, the Commissioner of Education has the authority to wave instructional day
requirements when natural disasters or serious conditions disrupt the normal operations of school. The commissioner confirmed that MSCS meets the criteria for relief due to the storm's widespread effect and the district's exhaustion of
stockpile days. The waiver fully covers the five effective dates and affirms that no additional instructional time will be required to compensate for closures. Uh, also, board, I'd like to let you all know for I know we had thought about adjusting the calendar for
Friday the 13th as well as Monday the 16th. Uh but to keep from adjusting the calendar, we're sending out an instructional advisory uh asking our our teachers to send home work with our students uh to truly utilize our
curriculum and the pacing calendar uh to differentiate instruction for our students so that over those two days, Friday the 13th as well as Monday the 16th, students will be uh working on work to better support them. uh as we
move through the year and for us to better prepare for the TCAP. Uh we've also we're working on a letter to send to uh the state department as many other districts have already done to see if we can push back the start of the TCAP. So I wanted to let you all know uh as part
of the academic advisory uh and committee report as board member Otay suggested. Those are some of the things that we're doing around instruction and academics. So thank you. This concludes my report. >> Does anyone have any questions?
All right, seeing no questions, we will move on to new board business. 12.1 proposed policies first reading. It is recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approves the new
policy 2022 board strategic school allocations program. Do I have a motion? Oh, yeah. I need I need a motion. >> Motion.
>> I move that we approve. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Do I have a second? It's been It's been moved by board member Love and seconded by Vice Chair Coleman that we um approve policy 2022, board strategic school allocations
program. Mr. Mr. Jenkins, please take roll call vote. >> Board member McKisik. >> I >> I'm sorry, Jets. I'm sorry. Do we have any discussion? I think I have love here. >> I would like to add a friendly amendment.
>> You want to read tell us what it is? Um, the year-end review process shall be initiated by the chair of the budget committee and the superintendent or his designate no later than August of
each year. Does anybody do you have it in >> and my rationale um behind that is the board >> Hold on for a second just a moment
is I need your I need to read it in so that they can know what the amendment is and you can get a motion for it. Okay. All right. Do I have a second for it? The year-end review, this is the amendment. The year-end review process
shall be initiated by the chair of the budget committee and the superintendent or designate no later than August of each year. Do I have a second on that? A second. for clarity. We want to make sure that this is an amendment that is adding to
the policy. It's adding language to the policy. That's what we want to make sure of that it's not amending the actual motion, but it's adding language to the policy. >> Nine, can I uh say my rationale? >> Hold up for a second.
All right. So, I have to amend this. It is recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approves a new policy 2022 board strategic school allocation programs by adding the language. The year end review
process shall be initiated by the chair of the budget committee and the superintendent or designate no later than August of each year. Do I have a second to that? >> Second. >> Okay. It has been the
We have moved for the amendment to this policy by board member love and seconded by board member Murphy. Now we may have discussion. you want to >> I added this friendly amendment because
uh the strategic board allocations belong to the board and in the policy it states that each year we're giving in the policy it states that each year we're given a chance to
reallocate the money and decide what is best for our districts And I thought it would be comfortable for the budget chair and Tito uh his the superintendent's design or the
superintendent to initiate the process before the voting uh the budget season begins. So there will be be no confusion from when the policy is voted on for years
past. >> I have board member Williams >> that is completely uh con convoluting and I'm trying to determine what are you deciding and what are you doing after the fact and it's deciding you're saying you this will happen after at the close
of the year. What are you doing before? because I think it needs to be one piece and it's not unclear to me what you will do with something in July when it's over. Can you correct it at that time? So, it needs to be clearer than this.
>> Is there any further discussion? If you read the policy, the policy states that we're going to decide if it is the best interest of the taxpayers dollars each year when the
budget process begins. Um, I wanted to be clear that the board and the superintendent uh initiate the process and we can vote
on it when the budget process ends. >> So are you saying that it would change every year possibly? >> Yes. That is dependent upon us the board members.
depending on the need. >> All right. I have board member Huitt Garcia. >> I think uh board member love is the intention behind the amendment related to the conversations we have had. For example, if the trend that we're saying
is 30% of the allocations we're making are towards cheerleading outfits, we should strongly consider making that online item budget uh or or moving things into the budget. Uh when we're seeing high volumes of things,
>> it is so that our strategic allocations remain strategic. >> Yeah. >> Okay. That is how I took the language. Is there a >> um I guess I would ask us knowing that that is the intent is
just confirm that's the best way of phrasing it to um ensure our policy matches the intent. So, but I understand what you're saying because we've had this, you know, we're seeing teacher appreciation, we're seeing student incentives, we see field
trips that are taking up the bulk of strategic allocations. That's that's not supplementing, that's supplanting a budget. So, >> I understand what you're saying. I just >> want to maybe get advice from maybe Maria on the best way to add that into the policy.
>> Yeah. >> General counsel, could we >> counsel? >> Before we do that, let me get to board member. Okay. Do you board member Hua Garcia? Is there something you want to >> I I'm curious if the in the budget
closeout process we'll do an could it the same uh could we get to the same outcome if we said in the budget closeout process there will be an evaluation of overall fund spent and reported out through the superintendent and and budget chair. That way the board
knows uh where we're spending our money and then if we we can make recommendations to shift the strategic priorities or policy based on that. I think we just want to be informed about where the allocations are going.
So So maybe that's an adjustment that we can make. I think we're all getting to the same thing, but I just want to make sure that we're not um >> I just wanted to be clear in policy that the board votes on the strategic
allocations and in the policy it defines what we will do each year. um the board and the administration. But if I might cuz I want to streamline this as much as we can so we get the
correct language down. So because this is now a motion on the floor for an amendment and we're going to a we want to do a different amendment. If we can get that language that you have just suggested, um GC, can you help us with that language so that we can get it incorporated? We will need to vote on
this amendment. We'll need to vote it down and then we'll need to add this new amendment with the the definitive language cuz we want to make sure that we have this right. Is that something that we can get done? If it's too complicated, I'm fine with
the way the policy is written. Everybody knows that the policy [music] states that we're going to review the policy each year and I don't want to >> so we have a um
board member Murphy before >> I think thank you Madam Chair um Commissioner Love I don't think that it's that complicated and I think that we just need to uh add the language into this policy so that we can keep moving forward and this is the perfect time to just do and then move forward with it.
Change the language, put it in there, and then we just move forward. >> So, we have a motion um we have the motion on the floor for amending it with that particular lang language. If you want to go ahead with that language, then you say yes. If you don't, you say
no. We go back to the original um um motion, which the original policy with no amendments to it. So, that's what we have to do first. All right. So, we're voting on the amendment as written. If you want to
keep it, it's a yes. If you don't, it's a no. So, roll call vote. >> Board member McKisick. >> No. No. >> Board member Garcia. >> No. >> Board member Porter.
>> No. Board member Murphy. >> President vote. >> Board member Love. >> Yes. >> Board member Otay. >> No. >> Board member Williams. >> No.
>> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> Board Chair McKenna. >> No. >> You have six nays, one in the affirmative and one present of voter. the so the amendment the amendment fails. We're now back to the original motion, the original
the original version of the of the policy. So again, it is recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approves the new policy 2022 board strategic school allocations program. Board member Otay, I just want to provide clarity to the public. So, we'll
go ahead and pass this hopefully so that our schools can go ahead and utilize the money and then any amendment that we need to make. >> Hold on. I got I need a motion before we get [laughter] >> Okay, you called my name so I started talking. >> Yes, I thought you were doing a motion. >> I'll motion.
>> You moved. >> Hold on. >> I move. Hold on. >> My My amendment failed. And we're going back to the original amendment. >> Yeah, that's what I said. That's what I
said. I need a motion. >> Yeah. I move that we approve this policy on first reading. >> Second. >> All right. I have a motion to approve this policy on first reading.
>> I have a second. That's by McKisick. I have a second by who? May the 2nd. Board member Coleman. >> Roll call vote, please. >> Board member McKisik. >> Hold on. >> We have a discussion. We have lights.
>> Okay. Did you have something you wanted to say? Are you done? >> I completed what I was saying. Okay. >> So, we're going to approve this and then any amendments that we need to make, we can make it later so that the schools can utilize funds. Bailey. >> Thank you, Chair. I just want to point
out I think if the intent is to approve the policy on first reading and you all will need to vote to suspend the rules uh first. >> All right. I move that we suspend the rules in order to approve this policy on first reading.
>> I have a motion to suspend the rules by board member McKisik and I have a second by board member Coleman. Any discussion? No discussion. Roll call vote, please. >> Board member McKisik. >> I.
>> Board member [music] Garcia. >> I. >> Board member Porter. >> I. >> Board member Murphy. >> Hi. >> Board member Love. >> Hi. >> Board member Otay. >> I. >> Board member Williams. >> Hi. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> I. >> Board Chair McKenna. >> I. >> We're going now to the mo main motion.
>> Okay. It is recommended that the SC Shelby County Board of Education approves the new policy 2022 board strategic school allocations program. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> I Yeah. Our parliamentarian would like
us to I move >> I I move >> I move that we approve the policy [music] as is written. >> Okay. I have second. >> Second. It has been moved by board member Love and seconded by board member
Coleman. Do we have any discussion? No discussion. Roll call vote. >> Board member McKisik. >> I. >> Board member Garcia. >> I. >> Board member Porter. >> Board member Murphy. >> Hi. >> Board member Love. >> I.
>> Board member Otay. >> I. >> Board member Williams. >> Hi. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> Hi. >> Board Chair McKenna. I >> you have eight in the affirm. >> This policy has been approved on first reading.
Next, the consent agenda. Are there any items to be removed from the consent agenda? Okay. There being no items removed from the consent I >> I think item I'm sorry, excuse me, Madam Chair. I think item 13.4 is to be removed from the consent agenda.
>> We already removed it. Okay. We removed it earlier. Just to be clear, we removed item 13.4 at the beginning of the Okay. So, now the next thing that we're doing now is a
roll call vote on the consent agenda. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> Motion >> to approve the consent agenda. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All right. It has been moved by board member Murphy and seconded by board member McKisik
to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote, please. >> Board member McKisik, >> I. >> Board member Garcia, >> I. >> Board member Murphy, >> I. >> Board member Love, >> I. >> Board member Otay, >> I.
>> Board member Williams. >> Hi. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. Hi. >> Board Chair McKenna. >> Yes. >> You have Aiden in the firm. That motion passes. We're now moving on to
14.1 request for action. 14.1 is superintendent selection process. Is there a motion for a selection process? >> Motion.
I move that we do a selection process. >> So you need to understand, let me be clear. There are three different selection processes. There's the appoint by appointment. There's by a search and then there's the um
>> I move that we do an appointment. >> Hold on. Hold on. once we get it on the floor. Okay, go ahead. Board member Love, >> you wanted to make a motion. >> I move that we do an appointment.
>> Is there a second? So the process again I want to make sure that we understand there's a selection process. >> Yes, >> there are three ways for that. So the motion will be either a motion to appoint a superintendent, a motion to do
a search for a superintendent or there's the a motion to extend the contract of the of the current the interim contract. So those are the three things we can do. This is the process. So we are we need a motion on what process are we going to
use appointment or search or extension of the um interim contract. So that's the motion that I that I >> and what is the motion? >> The motion on the floor and I said that um I think it's moved for a appointment.
So I'm asking that's the motion. I'm asking is there a second? Um, >> you have to get in. >> Yeah. >> Um, general counsel, can you provide clarity? >> Certainly, Bo, what what is so under
>> appointment versus >> process? >> Process, >> right? >> I' I'd like to second it. Thanks on the floor for discussion. >> Thank you. >> All right. It has been moved and it has moved by board member Love and seconded
by board member Huitt Garcia. Is there any discussion? I see two lights. I see Huitt Garcia and I see Murphy. Uh thank you very much. So just to clarify, colleagues, we discussed um during the evaluation committee last
month um and board work session uh policy 10002. We are talking about options the board may use uh when naming a superintendent. So as chair McKenna has said we are not talking about a person right now. We are talking about a
process. And so the three in front of us are that we can appoint a superintendent, we can do a selection/arch or we can extend an interim contract. Um so I just under
I want to tell you what happens regardless of pass. So we we are discussing now. So if you want to amend you can or you want to discuss um an appointment method if we if we do vote on the motion on the floor. Um we will declare a vacancy in the office of the superintendent and appoint a new
superintendent in accordance with state laws and regulations related to policy 10003 superintendent qualifications. So that is the policy we would refer to for an appointment. If we decide that we want a selection or search process by
the majority of the board, we'll have three phases. Um setting a timeline and search scope uh whether we want it local or national and interview procedures. That'd be phase one. Phase two would be gathering community input via surveys or
meetings and defining those specific candidate qualifications. And then phase three would be advertising, posting the role, vetting applicants, um conducting public interviews. So if we go with the search and selection process, we will move through phases in the
superintendent search selection process policy. Um so our immediate decision on on this item is what procedural path we will follow. Um we've added an item. So depending on what our decision is in this moment, we will we we will discuss
those phases and next steps or potentially um ideas around an appointment depending on the will of the board tonight. Just want is hopefully that provides some clarity about the discussion. >> Thank you board member Hua Garcia. Board
member Murphy. >> Thank you Madam Chair. Um although I have my opinion of Dr. Richmond with the appointment of Dr. Richmond. However, we have to be transparent and the community is asking
for transparency. With talking with my community leaders, with talking to my principles and my teachers, I have uh come up with a conclusion that at this time we need to actually do a search. And this is such an intense uh situation
within our district that I think that we should table it for now because it's intense. I think that we need to table it and then come back to it. >> Thank you. Um, so I see no other further lights. What is on the floor right now
is a motion to appoint a superintendent. Board member Porter. Yes. Just want to add my comments as well. Um, you know, it it is our responsibility to make the best long-term decision possible for the
district. And when I ran, I ran on data driven decisions and I ran on uh like even Commissioner Murphy just said, just transparency with the community. So, I do appreciate Dr. Richmond for for bringing us stability and stability although it's um is is definitely needed, but I definitely want to
continue to soar and and see what's in store. But right now, I I'm in agreement with um you know, just pausing. I don't see a rush for this right now. There's no nothing in the contract and the clause is saying that we it's [music] it's a timeconsumed decision. But again, I do appreciate the work that's being done right now. And uh I do see great
things ahead. But just at this moment, you know, a good decision takes time, but a great decision, it it takes data. And right now, based on couple things we've seen, I've talked to my constituents where I've talked to people in the district and even the recent surveys, I still think there is it's room for growth.
>> Board member Otay, then board member Huitt Garcia. I just want to remind us that this is not about the who. This is about the what what's process we're going to use. Board member Otay and then board Huitt Garcia then board member William.
>> Um I was actually going to pretty much say what my colleague just said as far as data and potentially maybe uh tableabling this. Um I do want to applaud um what we've done so far with the district and again the focus is definitely um academic achievement for
our students and so I I don't see the rush as well. I do want to see what the data looks like and I think we should table it as well. For member Williams, >> it is not it is it's clear in my mind that we are moving forward with what we
are doing now and what we have and if we are going to table this and start from scratch again, then we will be back to square one. It is our duty and responsibility at this time to put a superintendent in that office and you and do the process. The process is what it is. The data is in. The data is
coming in. The schools are thriving. The students are doing well. And I don't know what we're tableabling for and what we're trying to do, but we need if we're going to do a search, do one. If we're going to do an appointment, do that. But we cannot continue up a slippery slope without having a leader in this
district. And we have searched for super superintendent years ago, many times before. And these searches have led to very much. So my position is if we have someone in the position who is capable and who has shown the quality of being
capable, we should not be dancing around this because if we do, we're going to be back to square one and and if I have to if we got to go beyond the circle now to find somebody else and do all and I'm not against that, but it needs to be started today. We don't have time to
wait. >> Or member Garcia. Uh thank you. Uh for my colleagues who say they want to table this, I do want to remind us that there is emergency and that the interim contract does expire in July. Um and I think by our last search
we said the national average was about 6 months to do a search. So if that is the decision 2 years um you know I we may be on different timelines. uh we it to do a search process is an extensive process because there is work to do as I
mentioned in those phases. So there is it is an urgent decision to decide on a path. Um I also want to say my orientation towards leadership is always looking for leaders who have a
growth mindset. There is no perfect superintendent in Memphis. There's no perfect superintendent in any school district across the country. The best leaders are the ones that acknowledge their areas for growth, who know their
strengths to lift those up. Um, and it was clear from the informal evaluation results to me that Dr. Richmond is aware of where he needs to grow and he he also understands his strengths.
I am um it's my fourth year on the board. We've been looking for a superintendent, hiring, searching from the moment I got here. Um and the exceptional growth that we're making. Um
I will have thoughts if the on in a point process of what if that is what we decide to do tonight. I will definitely have thoughts on the contractual terms. I have more thoughts around that. um than I do an actual um the process. Now
I think the community is tired of us searching. I think our schools need stability. I think I heard and not only read Dr. Richmond's comments about the forensic audit and the clarification yesterday is
that we have a lot of work ahead to do it. A lot of work ahead to do. And so I want to make sure that we have we can appropriately respond and strengthen our district. And if we engage in a year-long search process,
y'all, I have I have concerns about that. Um, so in terms of process, I think that amount of time doesn't mean we don't hold a leader accountable. Um but it it doesn't feel
um I will be voting for an appointment process tonight. >> Board member love >> and I have the same uh sentiments as my fellow board member Huan Garcia.
Um, I know it isn't about the interim superintendent, but it is. He has done everything this board requires of him. Everything.
He was voted in in a disastrous place and he has done everything this board requires of him
and I have been getting phone calls to say don't appoint him do a search. I have been getting phone calls to say he is the right person for the job.
We are not going to make everyone happy. But it is up to us as the governing body to do what is in the best interest of our schools, the kids, the employees.
We have um evaluation of the superintendent. That is how we're going to hold him accountable for doing the work and increasing the test scores and making
our kids successful. I don't agree with the search process because we don't have the time. You're free to vote how you want to vote,
but I can sleep well at night doing the appointment. It's about the kids and it's about the stability of Shelby County, Memphis and Shelby
County schools. >> Board member Murphy. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I agree with my colleagues, but on the flip side, Dr. Dr. Richmond has done an amazing job. But on the flip side, we had we did say
that we were going to be transparent. I personally don't mind the appointment, but I'm also hearing the voices of my constituents and what they are asking for. Uh everything has been going very
well. Like I said, whoever we pick in this seat, I mean, we're going to have our differences regardless. But I don't want to make a a mistake. I want to make sure we do this the right way. Last time when we got the last the previous superintendent, it was a rush job. We
have to do it now. We have to do it now. And y'all did it now. And look where we are now. I don't want to be in a situation where we have to do it now. Do it now. And then and I and I'm not saying it against Dr. Richmond because he's done an amazing job. I just want to give the people what they're asking for
and that is the transparency that they want from us. We don't want another ca we don't want no chaos. We don't want anything to go in in flames. We want to make sure that we move in excellence. And we did say that we wanted to take this board to another level and move this district to the next level in
excellence. In order to move in excellence, we have to work in excellence and we have to do it by the right way. >> Board member Coleman. Thank you, chair. As I sit here and I listen and I listen
and I think about what more do we want. Someone has came in and stabilized this district. [music] Someone that has came in and taken all the hits below the belt.
someone that stands up for what's right. Where where and how are we going to do a search for somebody when you already had somebody? You got somebody transparency. You can't find a more
transparent person. I mean, it's it's Come on, y'all. We know what we need. We know what we need to do. Board chair said it's not about a person, but it is.
Now we're at the point where nobody has mentioned that the state wants to take over. But if we have somebody that's stable got in this ship, they may still want to take over. But I
promise you, they'll think twice cuz we know where we stand. And he stands, as the young people say, Michelle, 10 toes down is how he's standing for us. Nobody came to our rescue
but Dr. Rodrik Richmond. Thank you, >> Bo Member McKisman. >> Thank you, Chair. I felt the need to certainly weigh in my comments in light of my colleagues expressing their thoughts. In a sense, this is like deja
vu. And to be quite honest, I wish a year ago this time that the previous administration had been given the latitude of a year's time to show what they could do. Um, but at the same time, I'm all about what's doing best for
children and and the community. And the community has been through a lot. It wasn't a rush decision to get to the last superintendent that we had. It was an 18-monthl long plus process. So, it was very thoughtful and intentional, but
then it went south much quicker than uh certainly I anticipated. So, here we are now with our interim superintendent who by all accounts has been very fair and has put children first and educators first. But at the
same time, we do have a contract that is still very much alive and current and has another five months left on it. That would take us through the end of this school year and beyond a little bit through the end of this fiscal year. And so in the interest of being fair and
listening to all colleagues, I don't believe there's a rush to make a decision this day, especially in light of just coming off the winter storm and getting back into the groove of things. I want it to seem very intentional and thoughtful.
And I do agree, board member Love, that a search right now and board member Garcia, the process and length that it takes um is not necessarily one that this board should undertake, but let's just,
in the words of Janet Jackson, let's just wait a while. And that's my era. and just to give him the opportunity to continue to show um leading at a very high level
and through at least spring break. So, we put it out there now of perhaps what the board is feeling in general that we do have confidence um in our interim superintendent. But just to kind
of let it breathe for a second now that we put it out there and come back and revisit this. Thank you. >> Board member Porter, you turned your light off or you want it. >> Okay.
>> So again, I definitely appreciate everything. So I just want to talk about more datadriven decisions and and that's my piece I'm going keep hitting on. So again, stability is is everything, but it's not what get us over the finish line. And so again, I
would like to see what the u the upcoming TCAP scores would be. Um again, just talking about the recent not now I know. Okay. Well, I stand corrected on that one. I stand corrected on that. But just to
make make a long story short, um I do agree my colleague um Sher McKis that um it's not a rush [music] right now and we don't have anything present. So I'm in support of the the selection the search process board member Garcia. Thank you. Um
there's a crisis of inconsistency here. Uh we we have board colleagues who had roomfuls of people begging you not to make a decision last January, but the
community voice didn't matter then and now with not a soul who has mentioned it with it being on the agenda. Uh there's a lot of noise. I find that um there's a disconnect for me here. Um the
the nicest if I'm a educator coming into the district, we don't think of ourselves as working for a superintendent or a central office. We think about working for our principal, right? Great schools are are built from the the administration down,
right? When you think about applying for a job, who will be your manager matters of whether you want that job. Now, if I'm outside looking in, just to say it out loud a little,
and I see news of a what Nashville is doing aside, and I have seen the board over the last year, I'm of the opinion they have made a decision about their
managers because we have work to do as well. strengthening our governance and the way we work together, the way that we don't give up on things and people who need improvement, that is our work to do. But if I'm a highly competitive
superintendent and I saw us as the nine bosses cuz I am I am part of this body, I would say they have work to do before I go work for them. So, who we think will apply in a selection process? Um,
I have questions about that. This is a I I find myself in a weird place here. Um, but I my position remains the same and I will support an appointment process.
>> Board member Love. Um, look at the employees. They are working together getting the district work done.
All of them are happy to come to work and work long hours. And that is because of the interim superintendent. Um half of them have been here all their lives
and this is the only job they know. Uh I disagree with Amber about the former superintendent. There were things um uh she didn't listen to us.
>> Board board member love, let's let's not rehash that. Can we >> Yeah. I would like for us to please stay order. Let's >> We have a superintendent now that listens to us.
and is doing what's best for the school system. We have a superintendent now that involves all of us in the decision making process. And I agree with Amber that we don't
have time or money to spend on a superintendent search, but I have three grandb babies in the school system and
the whole board has a community that needs stability. I remain on my motion to appoint a superintendent, look at the big picture, and you vote how your heart wants to
vote. Board member Murphy, this is the third time, so trying to keep it to three times, though. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I will be short. Um, at this point, I don't care which way we go cuz Dr. Richmond has done a good job,
but I'm listening to the voices of our community. Um, I agree with you, uh, Commissioner Love. I agree with Amber. I agree with Michelle. Like she said, let's just wait a while. I agree with that because we want to make sure it's
right. We want to make sure that we're solid that all of us are solid and with us waiting a while. We're solid with our uh our vote. We're solid with what we want and we all moving in the same direction. So, I agree with what Michelle said. Let's just wait. I don't
have a problem with keeping Dr. Richmond as our superintendent, but I want to make sure that we do it we do it right and we execute it. As as Dr. Richmond would say that I would say we fix it. >> Board member McKisik. >> All right. So I just want to clarify we
are actually talking about the process and voting on the process of whether or not we want to move forward with an appointment whomever that may be like you said not the person but the process. That is what this vote is about. Correct. Correct. I call >> I'd like to call the vote.
>> That ends discussion. So, first we have to though it doesn't end discussion yet. We have to have a two-thirds vote for that. So, roll call vote please. If you want to end the discussion, you say yes. If you don't, if you want to continue discussion, you
say no. >> Roll, please. >> Board member McKisik, >> yes. >> Board member Garcia, >> yes. >> Board member Porter, >> no. >> Board member Murphy, >> yes. Board member Love, >> yes.
>> Board member Otay, >> yes. >> Board member Williams, >> yes. >> Board vice chair Coleman, >> yes. >> Board chair McKenna, >> yes. >> You have aid in the affirmative, one name. >> So the question call for the question has passed and is in order. So now we will go to
the main motion which is to um have an appointment. Okay. Do we all understand that? All right. Roll call vote, please. Board member McKisik. The
>> the motion is that they move we move it has been moved and seconded that we appoint a superintendent. Roll call vote. Board member McKisik >> I. >> Board member Garcia >> I.
>> Board member Porter. >> So can't I need some more clarification. I know we're voting on the process but so we're vote on each either one three of the processes right now. Right. >> No. What's on is appointment. That is what we are voting on that the process we're using is appointment.
>> No. >> Board member Murphy. >> No. >> Board member Love. >> Yes. Board member Otay, >> no. >> Board member Williams, >> yes. >> Board vice chair Coleman, >> yes. >> Board chair McKenna, >> yes. >> You have six in affirmative, three
names. >> So, it has been moved and seconded and voted to approve that we are going to appoint a superintendent. So, now we are moving to the next item 14.2 and I believe that is superintendent
selection next steps. Now that we have chosen to appoint is there this is there a motion on who to appoint? Do I have a motion on who to appoint?
>> See that's what Okay, I have a question. So we're doing the appointment right now. >> Wait, you have a point of point of order. You want to make sure? >> Point of order, please. So I just want to get clarification. We're doing an appointment right at this
moment. We have chosen. So my question is the the on I'm asking is there a motion for next steps and maybe it's for appointment. We've chosen appointment. Is there a motion around appointment or do we have a motion? What is the next motion? Because we have next steps.
Superintendent selection next steps. So, what is the motion on the floor? We need to put something on the floor so we can have the discussion. Board member McKisick, did you have I see your button or did I not cut it off? >> All right. >> So, procedural
>> procedural. Yes. Let me know what our options are in terms of the next steps for a selection process since we have now chosen the process of appointment. So, so the next step in the process would be to um well, the next technical step in the process [music] uh would be to
identify uh the appointee. Um and then the board would need to direct me to enter into negotiation of a contract with that appointee designate and uh that would take some time obviously. Um, and then I would bring a contract before the board at which point upon approval of that contract, then that would
designate [music] the permanent appointment uh of the the superintendent at that point. So, at some point, I'm going to need to know who to negotiate a permanent superintendent contract with. So, the board's going to have to give me some direction by way of vote on who
their appointee designate is. Um, and then one other thing I would point out uh just under um law and statute because they're well that that yeah I will I'll reserve that but that's where we are right now. >> Does anyone have any additional questions?
>> Did you get did you get your question answered? All right, board member Porter and then board member Love. >> So I had a question. So, I'm actually going to go back to 14 point even though that's old business now. But just for
clarity, does TSBA since we paying the dues, does TSBA offer uh those services to us for as far as our superintendent selection process? Do they offer those services for free? >> So again, what are you asking? Cuz we already made a round appointment,
>> but I just it's for it was a point of clarity cuz um the debate got cut off, but I wanted to ask a question. >> But we we approved the appointment process already. So, I'm just trying to for clarity because we're not we're not rehashing the selection process. We already made a vote on that that we're going to
>> I was ask I was asking about the process, but does TS does TSBA allow the services that we provide that we pay for the the dues that we pay? Do they allow superintendent searches for free? >> No. >> Well, actually they they cuz they they was they was involved in the process for
Kville superintendent. They actually went through the process and um and selected. So, I just want to get that out there to to dispel the myth about we're going to spend all this money for external search and we can do it. >> Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. We're not doing that. >> I know. I know. I just want I could debate got cut off. I was just >> So, let that There's a reason the debate got condom because we all made a
decision to do that. So, we're not let's not let's not rehash it. So, I'm going to move forward. Are you having something to do with this particular item 14.2 on next steps for appointment of a superintendent, not a selection process?
Yeah, I'd like to make a motion to um to defer to the next business meeting. >> That's I think we Okay. I want to make sure that that's the appropriate motion. We have a Oh, wait a minute. We have a motion. Did you We have a motion to
defer to the next business meeting made by board member Porter. We have a second by board member Murphy. Is there any discussion? Did you have any any discussion? Board member love.
I had my light on before Porter made the motion. Um, general counsel, >> are you asking for a point of clarity? >> Yeah. >> Go ahead. Um,
in the policy it states that we before we appoint a superintendent, we have to give the public 15 days notice. >> So the 15-day notice requirement is for if there is an intent to renew an
existing contract or to terminate an existing contract of superintendent. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. I do have a comment. I see no lights on this particular motion to defer to the next business meeting. I want to make
sure that we are clear board members that we need to be operating within the current context that we have current context that we are currently under is that we are under attack by the state.
Our continued kicking the can down the road in making a decision about a permanent dis uh superintendent puts us possibly in the crosshairs with the state. We have no idea how quickly they're going to move or when they're going to move. But what
we can control is what we do and how we do it and when we do it. So I want to make sure for everyone here is that that we are very clear about that that I think we
have to use every single bit of time we have to demonstrate the stability of this district. I don't know what data we are particularly waiting for the next business meeting. I want to be clear about the um and what I don't want us to
do is to talk talk about um um we're waiting on data that I'm not sure that we're going to get. Um we have data. We have data. We asked Dr. Richmond to do three things and he has done those
three things. He's done those three things. He provided us with an academic plan we haven't had for 10 years. He did. He made sure that we have a comprehensive facilities plan which we have not which we have not had publicly
had and and pushing through. We asked him to make sure that we had an academic and operation scorecard to ensure that we could publicly and transparently do the work. So I asked my
colleagues why and really think about it. What are we waiting for to the next business meeting? It is clear if we have made the decision we are going to appoint then we need to move forward. My
suggestion for your consideration is that we move forward with the appointment. I am not qu I'm not clear on what our expectations are at the next business meeting. We have we have noticed to the public.
It's been all over. I've know I've seen it on the news, on the social media. People are they're going to make a decision. They're going to make a decision on what they're going to do. So, I'm not quite clear on what it is that we are waiting for. What will bring us and if somebody can help me
understand that, I would really appreciate that. What are we waiting for for two weeks? We made the decision to appoint We did that. So the next step is to make a decision on the who we appoint.
So the the right now what's on the floor is to postpone until the next business meeting which is February 24th. So I don't I'm not sure whose lights came on first. So, I'm just going to go down the down the line. Um, I've got
I've got Huitt, Garcia, Porter, Murphy, Coleman, Williams. Uh, I'll since we've made a decision on the process that we will follow, uh, it is the contracts of whoever if we decide to
put a name out there tonight, it is it is our responsibility to set the terms of that contract. So if if there are concerns about time there needs there needs to be someone in place and I I understand them more time we still will
have to name an individual tonight and whether you think that's a year or 3 years or four years whatever that is the prerogative of the board to put terms in place for the leadership position. So I even if you do decide a name tonight
that that that's where the expectations that is where where you have flexibility to set those expectations if there are um considerations that you want. We do have to make a decision here in
the I am unable to dream up what you will learn between now and next month. So I would like to hear that like what I'm I'm failing to come up with uh what you what you'll learn. So if
somebody can illuminate that or if you're holding back on a different name or you're you would you're not putting it out there. This is the time. But indecision is not a good look. Board member Porter.
[clears throat] Yeah, I just want to back up a bit. So when I say we shouldn't be making decisions based off pressure from the state, we should be making decisions based off what's evidence-based with our students, with our teachers, with community members,
stakeholders. We should be make we should be taking everybody's thoughts into consideration about making this permanent long-term decision because it's one of the biggest decisions we're going to have to make as a board. And for me going through a search process running, I would love to go through the process where I can ask the right questions cuz I haven't gotten a chance
to ask those questions. I can hear more community members voice their opinion. And when we're looking at surveys, when I'm looking at data, 50% of the teachers are not comfortable right now with where the district is um is is standing relative to the leadership. And that's no really no offense to um Dr. Richmond,
but it has been instability and we're creating stability. But again, we just can't be happy that we're at a stable. You can be a stable condition in a hospital. You can be a stable critical condition hospital, but now how can we go forward? So what I want to talk about, yes, we talk about greatness grows here, but often time it's not
reflected in the in the personnel that we have in the district. And I have examples as well, and I can email them to you. >> Board member Murphy. So, when we say we need to appoint, I'm just going to throw mines out here. My Did they say we got to appoint? She said throw throw a name out. She did say we
could do that. >> It's a motion to postpone. So, I >> Oh. Oh. Oh. We postpone. Okay. We postpone it. Then I'll tell y'all about in two weeks. >> Board member Coleman. Postpone to next to next business meeting.
Board member Williams, >> this is not as complicated as we are making it. We have someone who's in the seat and we have people who might want to apply for the seat. It is up to this body to make a decision. If you don't, let me tell you what the danger is, young man. The governor has said he's
going to appoint. Now, we would lose all of our authority. So, we it we have be in the fight. We would not be in the race if the governor appoints and says who's going to come down here and destroy or take over this school system. We have a person who's at the ham now who's doing a wonderful job and we're
debating cuz if he walk up out of here we all we're through. There's no one who can do what the may has done. Not who's walking around Memphis and walking around this area. Now, if you're going to do a search, do one. But you've done one. And that search that we had of the
last superintendent cost us $56,000. Really remember this is a motion to postpone. >> I know it's I know what the motion is, but I'm talking about the processes that we're talking about now. >> And you are right. You're on point. We did say yes to the appointment >> and we need to where we need to go home
if we do because we certainly need to ain't no need to sit here debating something that we don't have any knowledge of because some of these folks talking is not making a lot of sense. >> Thank you board member Williams, board member love and then McKithic. Um, I would like to call the question
>> and vote. >> All right. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> The co the the question has be called. A motion's been made to call for the question by board member love. Seconded by board member Murphy. Roll call. No, it's call for the question. We have to
first that ends debate. That's what that does. Board member I mean Mr. Jenkins, please take roll call vote on the motion to call for the question. Board member McKisik. >> I. >> Board member Garcia. >> I.
>> Board member Porter. >> I. >> Board member Murphy. >> I. >> Board member Love. >> Hi. >> Board member Otay. >> I. >> Board member Williams. >> Hi. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> Hi. >> Board Chair McKenna. >> Yes. >> You have nine in the affirmative. So that means we are going back to the main
motion which is the motion to postpone to February 24th which is the next business meeting. That's what you said the next business meeting. That was the motion. Roll call. Roll call vote.
Board member McKisik. >> The question is to postpone this until two weeks from now. >> Yes, that was the motion. >> No. >> Board member Garcia. >> No. >> Board member Porter. Yes. >> Board member Murphy.
>> Yes. >> Board member Love. >> No. >> Board member Otay. >> Yes. >> Board member Williams. >> No. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> Board Chair McKenna. >> No. >> You have six nazs and three in the >> So, we're back to 14.2.
A motion on the next steps for the superintendent selection. I need a motion on the floor. We made remember we made the decision to appoint So now I need an appropriate motion on
the floor for appointment. >> Madame Chair, yes. >> I would like to appoint Dr. Rodriman to serve as the superintendent for Memphis Shelby County Schools. >> Do I have a second? >> I second it. >> There's a motion to appoint Dr. Rod
Richmond as permanent super superintendent made by board member Coleman seconded by board member Love. I have are these lights for this motion that I have on. Okay. Discussion. I have
board member McKisik and board member Garcia. Board member Williams. McKisick. Garcia Williams. >> Thank you chair. I always try to be very measured [sighs] in my decision-m and to take into all the consideration. I don't
walk in here with a predetermined decision and I've been listening I've been listening to all of my colleagues, but also I'm listening to the community as a whole and we've been through a very traumatic experience over the past year.
I have no desire to go through that again and to prolong this process. They want us to do a job and like my colleagues have said, it's not going to make everyone happy. But as much as I felt that I was right last time that we should let the process play out and wait, I
believe this time it's time to make a decision and just move forward for the sake of the children. Um there is a leader in place who has shown to be not only capable but truly has laid out a vision for this district. And that's
what I'm focusing on. This is not about any one person. This is about this district, the children of this district and getting beyond and moving back to the business of running this district. I'm tired. I am tired of games and
personalities and all of that. I just want to focus on the job of being a school board member that is deciding on budgets and all the boring stuff that nobody wants to pay attention to. So that's why tonight I will be supporting the motion that's been on the floor for Dr. Richmond.
>> Before the next person when GC Bailey puts his light on, I want to make sure I [laughter] >> GC Bailey >> I I'm I'm sorry to skip in line here. Uh, one I would like to offer a suggestion for an amendment to the motion that is on the floor. >> Okay.
>> Um, because Dr. Richmond does currently have a contract that would need to be terminated and replaced with a long-term contract. Uh, what I would suggest is the uh an amendment to uh direct me as the general counsel to enter into contract negotiations uh with the
appointee design under this motion which would be be Dr. Richmond. um bring a new contract before the board for its consideration after at least 14 days. Um at which time it would need to terminate the the existing interimm contract to comport with policy
and state law. >> Do you have the language for that amendment? Can you get that? >> You give me a second. I can get you the language. >> Thank you. >> Let me write it down. >> Let's take a Let's take a >> take I think I can remember what I just said. Give me Give me two seconds.
one. [laughter] All right. In the meantime, I think while because he's offering an amendment to that motion, I want to hold on on comments. >> Uh I'm sorry, but I want to I can't
offer an amendment. I >> Well, because you're offering suggested language for amendment to motion. Okay. because I want to make sure y'all have time to say anything about that language.
you. Yes, I need I GC has um offered this friendly amendment. I need someone to offer the amendment. um to board. Okay. You actually can just change your change your motion.
Just ask permission from us to change your amendment. >> Madam chair, I would like to >> just permission to change >> permission to change my um motion, please. >> Is it Can I get that by general consensus, please? Any objection? I see
no objection. Okay, go ahead. the motion to support Dr. Roger Richmond as the next superintendent of Memphis Shelby County Schools and direct the general counsel to enter into contract negotiations [music] with Dr. Richmond and bring a new contract before the
board for its consideration after at least 14 days at which time it will need to be it will need to terminate the existing interim contract. >> Do I have a second? Second.
>> It has been moved by Vice Chair Coleman, seconded by board member Murphy. Do I have any discussion on this? I see Garcia Murphy.
Love OT. Uh, my comments were we're going to be asking you if that was the right motion. um our the contract processes where there's no such thing as an interim superintendent. We have I mean we by law you have all the powers of a current
superintendent. What we decide in these contract terms are are an employment contract. We tonight this this is allowing general counsel to work with Dr. Richmond's um legal representation to draw up a contract of which we agree
to the terms. Um, I I want to say publicly I want to see I want to see teacher satisfaction improve. I know we are ruthlessly focused on facilities and
academics and all of those things, but how our educators feel in this district, that is our secret sauce. The most effective thing you can do in an education system is a highquality teacher at the front. and we want you in the classroom and we we hear the concerns. We saw the
concerns. Um and my concern is that this decision does not be we relinquish this decision. We open up a process of which uh no one's up to the task. So I support um Dr. Richmond in this process and look
forward to the general counsel's um discussions with us as as individual board members and coming up with terms of all all of which we agree if that is the path forward tonight. Thank you. >> Board member Murphy. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Mine will be so
short. Like I said earlier, I I don't care which way we go. I'm I'm good with the search and I'm good with the appointment. I don't care. I like them. So that's it. Thank you, board member love. >> Um, I want to piggy back off of my board
member, Amber Hu Garcia. Um, I want to see the morale of the district go up. The teachers are teaching in front of our children every day.
We all have teachers. That is the reason we're here. um in the superintendent's evaluation in his contract, the board can negotiate things that you
have a problem with. Um that is the duty of the board members. I agree with Michelle McKisik.
Um, I am here to stabilize the district and make this district a top premier district in the whole USA. [music] Uh, I have some um this in the interim
superintendent did what no other superintendent has done. He collected data. He evaluated it and he gave his viewpoints of the lows
and the highs. and he worked out a plan. I have some constituents telling me they need a search and some are telling me they don't need a search. We're not
going to make everybody happy. But we have a leader now that's invested in the education system and I support him. Board member Jose.
>> Thank you. Uh, Chair McKenna. So, my initial response was because I didn't want to seem like we were being we were rushing the process. His contract is up in July. And I'm listening to my colleagues. I'm listening to uh board member McKisik. I heard board member um
Garcia. I heard board member Poor. I heard all my board members. And so, I don't think that Dr. Richmond has been doing a a bad job. Like, we have academic plan. We have facilities planned. We're making gains. I just wanted to give it a little more time if we did not have to rush it. Why rush it?
But I just getting information and I want to clarify this and I want to know if this is true that the house has decided on a bill to appoint uh a superintendent if that is so and if we if we don't appoint someone right now, we if we're having to rush because
of that and we don't appoint someone, they will appoint someone for us. Is that the case right now? I need to know the answer to that. Is that what's going on right now? So that needs >> No, no, no, no, no. I need to know if that's the case at this very moment. >> So again, if that is a question for
general counsel, then I'd like general counsel to answer that question. What is your Can you make sure? >> So if we don't appoint someone, the governor and two and the the house bill uh lets the governor and two speakers appoint someone.
Okay. Has that been approved? And how quickly will that take place? Do we need to if we appoint someone? So if we do not appoint someone, will their appointment take place? >> I So I'm not aware of any house bill that's been passed by the general
assembly. >> I just want clarification. >> All right. I have um so one All right. So, >> one more question. So, we appoint superintendent.
>> Is the governor what are the possibility of the governor actually appointing someone else? >> I it's I'm going to say it's not anything we can manage at this point in time. I don't know. There's nothing. We don't have any. Okay. [laughter] >> Yeah. >> All right. >> All right. So, let me go to next one is were you done?
>> Okay. I have Michelle. I have board member McKisik and then Garcia. >> I just want to clarify that I am not looking at any external factors outside of Memphis and in Nashville. I am focused on what is best for this
district, for this community, for these students and these educators. And ripping the band-aid off and making a decision tonight is what I believe is best for this community. They don't want any more drama. They want us to do what
we've been doing for the past year. We have worked hard as a board to come back to a point of cohesiveness to make decisions where our boardroom meetings are half empty. That's the job, you know, where it's just we're doing
the job of the district. And as we've stated, no one is perfect. No one was perfect before we had this current administration. But I'm glad that we, those who felt differently a year or so ago, have continued to work with this
administration and with this board to try to move forward and do what's best for children. And that's what I'm focused on tonight. I'm not looking into what happened in the past. It's done. I'm I'm focused on the right now and how do we move forward? And that's why I
want to take this vote tonight so that we can move forward as our general counsel has stated in negotiating the next steps. >> Garcia, the inconsistency I referenced earlier is that we have to stop anticipating
what other people may do. It is as if making a decision at the threat of a lawsuit. If we did that, we would never make a decision, right? that you don't you can't predict um what's going to happen. What do you want and who do you want to lead? That is your decision. You
shouldn't do it in response to what um what could happen. You need to examine it in front of you and then again reminding you if this is the decision we come up with the terms of that employment. Okay, this is um it is time
it is time to make a decision based on what is best for the district right now and I I'm in agreement with Borum McKisik board member Murphy. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm hungry. My
head hurt. Let's call for the question and let's get them appointed. >> Do we have a second? It has been moved by board member Murphy and seconded by board member Wil Williams that we call for the question.
Roll call vote please. >> Board member McKisik >> I. >> Board member Garcia >> I. >> Board member Porter. >> I. >> Board member Murphy. >> I. >> Board member Love. >> I. [clears throat] >> Board member Otay.
>> I. >> Board member Williams. >> Hi. >> Board vice chair Coleman. >> Hi. board chair McKenna. >> I have nine. >> So now we have a unanimous vote to call for the question. We're back to the main motion. >> I am not going to repeat that motion. We
have it on the record. Um for the just in general for the appointment of Dr. Richmond and for our general counsel to move forward with the NE contract negotiations around that is that
within so with within 14 days >> after after 14 days. All right. Roll call vote please. >> Board member McKis >> I. >> Board member Garcia >> I.
>> Board member Porter. I >> board member Murphy. >> I >> board member Love. >> I board member Otay. >> I >> board member Williams. >> I >> board vice chair Coleman. >> I >> board chair McKenna. >> I We have a unanimous vote for the
appointment of Dr. RICHMOND. [cheering] [cheering] >> [cheering] >> All right, hold on. Hold on. So, we've got this next five. No. All right. Having no further business in front of the board, we are this meeting is a
officially adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Good night everybody.