The Memphis-Shelby County Schools district is once again in search of a new Executive Director of Safety and Security after George Harris tendered his resignation just days into the job. Action News 5 reported that Harris was appointed to the position in a committee meeting last Tuesday, but by Saturday, he had stepped down citing personal reasons.
School board member Kevin Woods expressed concern during the initial meeting about the need for strong leadership for district security resource officers, stating, “We need confidence right now that these officers have a leader that they know they can count on." Yet, after reassurances from Harris, the sudden reversal left some board members seeking clarity and accountability. “And part of that accountability is two questions. What happened? And most importantly how do we make sure moving forward we minimize that situation from happening again," Mauricio Calvo told Action News 5.
According to FOX13, before the resignation, Harris had expressed his commitment to the role during school jamboree sessions saying, “I will ensure that the manpower is sufficient, and I will be present myself on multiple occasions." This follows reports of school security officers threatening to strike for higher pay and better conditions, a situation that was supposedly resolved after negotiations.
After Harris' resignation, concerns about school security have resurfaced in the community. Sarah Carpenter, Executive Director of Memphis Lift shared her thoughts with FOX13, saying, "If he got personal issues, our focus needs to be on our children. Our focus needs to be on our children being safe, and that’s all that matters to me." WREG reported an encounter that predates Harris' departure, where a meeting with security resource officers and Dr. Marie Feagins did not end well, precipitating further uncertainties.
As MSCS faces this latest challenge, community members like Cherhonda Mason-Ayers have responded pragmatically to the news of the security chief's resignation, stating to FOX13, "He made a decision, and so they'll work to get a new leader." The district, in the meantime, has yet to comment further on the personnel matter, maintaining a stance of support for Harris' decision. School board members such as Stephanie Love, who has previously expressed alarm over allegations against Harris, along with Calvo call for greater oversight in the upcoming search for his replacement.
