Communication Challenges at Memphis Shelby County Schools: A Parent’s Perspective
Memphis, Tenn. – Communication challenges are making headlines at Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS), and many parents are sharing their concerns. Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins recently acknowledged that these issues existed before she took the helm of the largest school system in Tennessee earlier this year. In fact, it seems that over 100,000 families didnโt receive critical text messages and phone calls during the last two emergencies, leading to chaos for parents and students alike.
Grading Communication: An Eye-Opening Experience
At a recent community huddle in Hickory Hill, Dr. Feagins revealed that if the district were graded on its communication efforts, it wouldnโt make the grade. โC…C…C…D…C…and I ended up with an F,โ she candidly shared, โItโs either an A or itโs an F.โ This frank admission was met with nods of understanding from parents like Jackie Lathon, who experienced the fallout firsthand during the recent districtwide lockdown.
โIt makes it hectic,โ Jackie expressed. โThat means I have to rush and try to find somebody to pick up my child. She might be sitting outside or standing outside, and I might not be there because I knew too late.โ It was clear that the lack of timely alerts had left many parents scrambling and felt unprepared for unexpected situations.
Challenges with Contact Information
During the huddle, Dr. Feagins emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the problem. One major issue is outdated parent contact information, which she noted was a longstanding problem before her arrival. โI own the things that Iโve inherited,โ she said, โbut I also know that this didnโt just start in my tenure.โ The superintendent has made it a priority to focus on solutions for improving communication moving forward.
A Need for Better Media Relations
Another area identified for improvement is the way the MSCS Media Relations Department communicates with local media. A lack of responsiveness to calls, texts, and emails has raised concerns about transparency in communication. Unlike other local government agencies, where staff members provide their names and contact information, MSCS replies often come as generic responses, making it difficult for the media to follow up with questions or concerns. โSo, where we can be great partners, that is certainly something we can be committed to,โ Dr. Feagins said.
Building Trust and Collaboration
Despite the communication hiccups, Jackie Lathon left the huddle feeling hopeful. She trusts that Dr. Feagins and her team will rise to the occasion in future emergencies. โI feel like it will get better with time,โ she commented, โWe just have to work together. I feel like itโll get better.โ Her optimism reflects a shared sentiment among parents eager for better communication from the district.
Unblocking Communication Lines
Another issue at hand is that about 5,000 families have blocked MSCS on their devices for reasons that remain uncertain. Dr. Feagins speculates that some families may be overwhelmed by the volume of messages from the district or their childโs school. Addressing these concerns will be crucial in ensuring that families remain connected and informed.
Looking Ahead
As Dr. Feagins and her team work towards improving communication, itโs clear that the road ahead will take collaboration and commitment from everyone involved. Parents hope to see a stronger, more efficient system that keeps them informed and helps kids stay safe and secure. After all, communication is key in ensuring that families and educators are on the same page.
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.
