Memphis-Shelby County Schools Safety Director Resigns Suddenly

Commercial Appeal Employees
| Memphis Commercial Appeal

George Harris, executive director of school safety for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, resigned from his position last weekend, according to district officials.

The departure comes about a week after Harris took the position and days after a contentious meeting with Harris and MSCS Superintendent Marie Feagins, during which school resource officers demanded pay raises and threatened to not work without a raise. The resource officers walked out of the meeting, according to a video obtained by The Commercial Appeal.

Following the meeting, the district is poised to implement a new pay schedule that provides significant raises for district security staff.

Harris, who officially parted ways with the district on Saturday, cited “personal reasons” as the reason for his departure.

“I have enjoyed my short time with the incredible team of directors Riley, Elliot and Boyd; they do an incredible job,” Harris said in a statement.

The new five-phase, five-year pay structure was detailed in an Aug. 12 letter from Feagins to safety officers and sergeants that was obtained by The CA. The first phase is expected to start officers at $25 an hour, while the final fifth phase will pay them $30 an hour. Sergeants are to start at $34 an hour, with the fifth phase paying them $38 an hour.