MSCS employee complains her pay was cut

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis Shelby County Schools employee whose job was cut and pay reduced took her concerns to Facebook in a post that went viral.

Rashana Chapman’s Facebook post has more than 300 shares and hundreds of comments from around the country.

“I am here today because nobody wanted to speak up. I didn’t know it was going to do that, I didn’t know my post was going to do that,” she said.

The MSCS educational assistant sent out a proposed placement from Memphis Shelby County Schools, which is set to cut her salary by nearly half from $48,000 a year to just below $29,000.

“What am I to do because at this point, I do need more income? I have a daughter who is a senior in high school, a single mother as well as I need to provide for us,” she said.

Last month, the sudden loss of pay was a concern from multiple school board members after the new superintendent of schools, Dr. Marie Feagins, cut some 1,100 jobs in an effort to direct more resources to the classrooms.

“The communication caused panic, chaos, and when you mess with someone’s livelihood that is traumatic,: Chapman said.

Chapman has worked as an educational support professional for MSCS since January of this year. That position had her working as an in-classroom teacher and a substitute teacher.

She says that, while she doesn’t have a teaching license, she holds a degree in social work and claims she was denied applying for a teaching permit.

“After I accepted this letter so I would receive pay I was told that I could not apply for a permit there was a moratorium on the permit,” she said.

School board leader bishop Althea Greene said there is no moratorium for teaching permits

We followed up with the school district which says right now their priority is moving toward more certified teachers in the classrooms. Most of them are being rewarded with raises.

“It’s a continuous of hurt when you turn on the news every day and you’re seeing people getting raises when you’re not,” Chapman said.

Chapman says the reach out to other cities for teachers is disheartening saying she and others feel overlooked for positions. She claims the situation has made for disgruntled workers and has made it hard to get answers, like when she is set to report to work.

Chapman says she understands the need for restructuring, but, “We’re just asking where do we go from here.”

Chapman says she wanted to apply for a social work position, but she had already accepted a transfer into the role of an educational assistant.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.