Memphis Schools Experience Leadership Shake-Up as Special Assistant Resigns
In a surprising turn of events, the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) are facing another leadership change as Camalyn Turner, the newly appointed Special Assistant to Superintendent Marie Feagins, has decided to resign after only four months in the role. Turner, who officially began her position in June, will wrap up her time with the district on October 22, according to her resignation letter that has been circulated among senior leaders.
Change Comes Quickly
Turnerโs departure is not just a minor footnote in the school district’s ongoing evolution. It’s part of a larger narrative of upheaval within the MSCS administration. For context, Turner formerly held a similar position with Atlanta Public Schools, which made her hire seem promising for the district. However, she hasn’t provided any details about why she chose to leave so soon.
This resignation marks the second high-profile exit in a very short period. Just a couple of months ago, George Harris, who served as the Executive Director of Safety and Security, also stepped away from his role for “personal reasons.” His resignation came on the heels of threats from security staff to strike, adding further tension to the current landscape of school leadership.
A Response from District Leadership
In response to the recent changes, a spokesperson for Superintendent Feagins has stated that there are currently no additional comments regarding Turnerโs resignation. However, during a recent interview broadcasted on the school districtโs radio station, Feagins took the opportunity to address concerns surrounding staffing cuts that have stirred controversy among parents and staff alike. โWhat I have only offered and what I continue to say is, trust me until I give you a reason not to,โ she expressed. โI donโt wake up trying to harm anyone, you know to cause any dissention nor strife.โ
Board Members React
The news of Turnerโs resignation caught many off guard, including Joyce Dorse-Coleman, the school boardโs vice-chair. She expressed her surprise in a statement, saying, โI, like so many others, am just hearing this shocking news. No details have been given to the board. We wish Ms. Turner nothing but the best.โ
Some state representatives have weighed in on the situation. State Rep. G.A. Hardaway acknowledged that transitions like these can cause disruptions, yet he emphasized the rationale behind selecting Feagins for the superintendent role. โI donโt think it is anything unusual about having upheaval when you switch CEOs and top people,โ he stated. He encouraged patience and understanding, stressing that until one actually steps into the shoes of leadership, itโs hard to judge the decisions being made.
Meanwhile, State Rep. Jesse Chism also highlighted the importance of allowing the school board the time it needs to implement necessary changes. โA duly elected school board brought her in, and we want to give her a little time to get done the things that theyโre trying to do, so itโs going to take some patience from everyone,โ he advised.
Looking Ahead
The timing of Turner’s departure is particularly interesting as it comes just a day after discussions among school board members about the way they evaluate their new superintendent. Some members are advocating for a change in the evaluation criteria, focusing more heavily on staff relations moving forward. This could indicate some underlying concerns about the current administration’s dynamics.
As Memphis schools move forward in this period of transition, the community is left wondering what implications these changes will have on the students and the overall school environment. One thing is clear: change is in the air, and the road ahead may require a bit of patience and understanding from everyone involved.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
