Memphis-Shelby County Schools is making significant strides in providing its safety and security officers with a new salary schedule that could come with substantial raises. The five-step, five-year payment structure outlined in a letter from Superintendent Marie Feagins to safety and security officers and sergeants promises to start officers at $25 an hour in step one, with the final fifth step bringing them to $30 an hour. Sergeants are expected to start at $34 an hour, with the fifth step bringing them to $38 an hour.
Raises are set to be implemented on July 1 of each year, and after officers and sergeants reach step five, they will receive a $1,000 retention bonus each additional year. Additionally, the security staffers can expect back pay as the new salary schedule will be retroactive to July 1, 2024. This move comes after officers expressed their frustrations and concerns, leading to a potential walkout and work stoppage.
In recent days, the district’s security resource officers have voiced their grievances, citing owed raises and the need for a revised pay scale. A letter circulated among SROs urged them to demand that their voices be heard and listed several concerns, including policy violations, officer safety, and the need for more officers. The letter encouraged SROs to not report to work on a specified date and instead take a mental health day to ensure their demands were met.
The frustration among officers was evident in a video obtained by The Commercial Appeal, showing security officers walking out of a meeting abruptly. This display of discontent highlights the urgency for a resolution to the ongoing issues surrounding compensation and job satisfaction for these essential staff members.
The previous salary schedule for SROs was brought into question in an email from MSCS board commissioner Stephanie Love to Superintendent Feagins and other board members. Love highlighted a budget oversight that resulted in missed raises for officers transitioning from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2025. To rectify this error, Love requested a budget amendment to ensure that officers received their owed raises immediately and retroactively to July 1, 2024.
The importance of fair compensation for safety and security officers cannot be understated, as they play a crucial role in maintaining the well-being and success of students, staff, and the entire community. The proposed salary schedule and raises aim to address the concerns raised by officers and provide them with the recognition and support they deserve for their vital contributions to the school district.
In conclusion, the efforts to improve the compensation and working conditions for safety and security officers in Memphis-Shelby County Schools are a step in the right direction towards fostering a positive and supportive environment for all staff members. By addressing the concerns raised by officers and implementing a new salary schedule with significant raises, the district is demonstrating its commitment to valuing and prioritizing the safety and security of its school community.