Memphis-Shelby County Schools board elections: Read our Q&A with District 4 candidates

In February, the Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education selected Marie Feagins to be the district’s next superintendent. In June, it gave her the green light to slash hundreds of positions and passed a $1.8 billion budget . It regularly approves or denies lucrative district contracts, and it decides the fate of charter school applications. Its members advocate for the schools they represent and frequently hear from their constituents.

Needless to say, the board plays a consequential role in shaping the course of MSCS ― and soon, its makeup could drastically change.

Five of the nine board seats are up for grabs in the Shelby County General Election on Aug. 1. Three current board members are running for re-election and facing multiple challengers, and two decided not to pursue another term.

Candidates are vying for the chance to represent districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7, and the winners will be sworn in this September and receive a four-year term on the board. The Commercial Appeal reached out to all candidates and asked them what they plan to do if elected. Candidate Alvin Crook did not respond to The CA.

Here’s what the candidates for district four said. Kevin Woods, who currently holds the District 4 seat, is not running for re-election.

Some responses have been edited for length, clarity and formatting.

James Q. Bacchus

72, K-12 Education Consultant, Process to Progress LLC

Talk about your background. What qualifies you to be a school board commissioner?

As a seasoned public-school educator with over 45 years of dedicated service, I bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the field of education. My career spans as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. I have a proven track record of working with school boards and legislative bodies to support the needs of districts, children, and families. I am running for the school board position to ensure public education continues to meet the needs of children and families, enabling them to reach their full potential.

Career Overview ― Teacher (20 years) Developed and implemented curricula that catered to diverse student needs. Fostered a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment that promoted academic excellence and personal growth.

Leadership -  Assistant Principal and Principal ( 10 years) Whitehaven High School - Led initiatives to improve student performance and engagement. Hamilton High School -  Enhanced school culture and established strong community partnerships.  Assistant Superintendent of High Schools and Chief of Student Support (Memphis City Schools, Eight years) -  Supported 40 high school and career tech program around leadership development and guidance. As Chief of Student Support, I managed nine district-wide programs and initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes, and implemented policies that addressed the specific needs of students and families, ensuring equitable access to resources.

Superintendent (Hattiesburg, MS) -  Managed district operations, budgets, and strategic planning. Worked closely with school boards and legislative bodies to secure funding and support for educational programs. Championed policies that benefited students, educators, and the community at large. Lead the Vision and Mission process with the school board.  Advocated for policies that prioritize student well-being, academic achievement, and holistic development. Ensure that all schools have access to the necessary resources, regardless of their geographic or socioeconomic status.  Foster strong partnerships between schools, families, and the community to create a supportive learning environment. Promote transparency in decision-making processes and held the administration accountable for student outcomes.

Supported innovative teaching methods and technologies that enhanced learning experiences and prepared students for the future. My commitment to public education is unwavering. I believe that every child deserves access to high-quality education that equips them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in life. As a school board member, I will work tirelessly to ensure that our schools remain places of excellence, inclusivity, and opportunity. Finally, with my extensive experience and deep passion for education, I am well-prepared to serve on the school board. I am dedicated to ensuring that public education continues to meet the needs of our children and families, helping them achieve their full potential.

MSCS has set significant academic goals, particularly when it comes to third-grade literacy. How do you think that, as a school board commissioner, you can help improve student performance?

I will work to support the superintendent by reviewing the current policies on parent engagement. In early years for children, our parents must be their first teacher. I work to ensure we will have a policy that support parents with eliminating chronic (absenteeism), and supporting parents training on what a child should know and be able to do at various ages. What I do know, where there is a high performing school you have high parental engagement. Additionally, students must be encouraged and motivated to learn and we have (to) make learning the mainstay and testing the bi-product of the learning through having goals setting meetings that direct students to their individual achievement.

MSCS is facing about $1 billion in deferred maintenance and is putting together a comprehensive infrastructure plan. What are your priorities for the district’s infrastructure?

When I served on the former Superintendent, Dr. Carol Johnson's cabinet, I worked with the contractor on developing the Facilities Study that used the Facility Cost Index (FCI) to determine what schools should close, and from that study several schools were closed and repurposed. Additionally, four new schools built. However, she left in 2008 before the plan was totally executed. As a board member, I will seek that study to review the schools that were recommended to close or repurposed in order to start an early conversation with the board. Around the up coming decision we will face with the upcoming new study. Finally, I believe that all of our students should experience a 21st Century building during their K12 experience.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about your campaign and aspirations to join the school board?

Over my 45+ years in public education I have always made all of my decisions around my campaign mantra "If it is Good for Children and Families." As a board member I will continue stand for children and families.

Eric Harris

51, president of JESSRAN Corporation, an early childhood education nonprofit

Talk about your background. What qualifies you to be a school board commissioner?

I have helped to build successful programs for children both inside and outside of the school district. I work with young children every day as the founder of an early childhood education nonprofit. I have over 20 years experience as an educator, both as a classroom teacher and as an administrator with Memphis Shelby County Schools. As the Principal of East High School, I helped create new alternative career pathway programs to help students find their calling.

As the founding Principal of Geeter K-8 School, I opened the first trauma informed learning center in Shelby County. We have outstanding educators, advocates, and nonprofits in Memphis and Shelby County creating opportunities and engaging young people every day. What is needed is an experienced leader in education on the School Board to help support and expand their work to further respond to the needs of our students, teachers and staff, parents and the wider Memphis community. My resume and background uniquely qualifies me to be that next leader on the School Board.

MSCS has set significant academic goals, particularly when it comes to third-grade literacy. How do you think that, as a school board commissioner, you can help improve student performance?

The work I do each day is running a school for 2 and 3 year olds. When students start at our school they are typically behind. When they graduate at kindergarten age they are not just kindergarten ready but often reading and writing at the first grade level. By starting formal education earlier, supporting our talented teachers, and offering holistic support to our parents, our students are achieving beyond our greatest dreams.

As a School Board member, I will use my experiences as a nonprofit education founder and as a teacher and administrator for grades pre-K to 12, to find ways to further invest in early literacy, social and emotional learning, and take greater steps to involve parents and the wider community in sharing accountability and pride for our student’s successes.

MSCS is facing about $1 billion in deferred maintenance and is putting together a comprehensive infrastructure plan. What are your priorities for the district’s infrastructure?

The top priority for me is always the safety, health and well-being of students and employees. Building structures, working HVAC systems, safe drinking water and working restrooms all must be addressed in addition to technology upgrades and additional programming. To address funding gaps, I’d like to see the school district apply for more federal grants now available to assist with building maintenance and energy efficiency.

Additionally, I also would support the school system working with area partners to see what vacant lots and buildings can be sold or transferred for adaptive reuse to transform our communities and reduce the school system’s financial burden.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about your campaign and aspirations to join the school board?

I am a lifelong Memphian and proud product of Memphis City Schools. When I was a kid, the schools meant something to the community and the community meant something to the schools. That's the experience I want to provide for every child in Memphis Shelby County Schools.

As a school board member, I will work to ensure that our school system involves all community members in the collective effort to help our young people lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Community engagement can be a deterrent to crime if we properly invest in captivating during and after school programming for young people and the entire family unit.

We need parents to feel shared accountability and participate in developing well rounded adults. We need to continue to support our teachers and school staff. We need further investment in early learning and literacy. Let’s invest more in our children early and on the front end in order to stop spending so much time and effort trying to fix the problem on the back end. Our campaign is all about Building Hope Together. You can learn more about myself and the campaign at www.vote4eharris.com

Tamarques Porter

39, cybersecurity specialist for the U.S. Department of Treasury

Talk about your background. What qualifies you to be a school board commissioner?

My journey, rooted in the challenges of Orange Mound and being a Melrose graduate, has shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for education reform. Raised amidst socio-economic obstacles, I understand firsthand the struggles many students and families endure.

My commitment to education began early in my career when I served as a teacher’s assistant at Memphis Shelby County Schools, where I worked closely with special needs students. This experience provided me with invaluable insights into the diverse needs of our student body.

Transitioning to the IT department, I had the privilege of helping students navigate the complexities of the technology world, empowering them for success in the digital age. Additionally, I dedicate my time to teaching literacy and computer classes in daycares across the city, recognizing the critical importance of early childhood education and technological literacy. As a father of two students attending Memphis Shelby County Schools, I have a personal stake in the success of our educational system. My background as a parent, former employee, and community member positions me uniquely to address the challenges facing our district.

Our district struggles with significant challenges, ranking among the lowest-performing in Tennessee. Over 60% of our students come from low-income backgrounds, surpassing any other county in the state. We need someone that will commit to advocating for vital mental health resources, recognizing their profound impact on our students' ability to learn. Moreover, I will tirelessly champion equitable funding to ensure access to quality in-school and after-school job training programs.

MSCS has set significant academic goals, particularly when it comes to third-grade literacy. How do you think that, as a school board commissioner, you can help improve student performance?

As a candidate for Memphis Shelby County School Board District 4, I firmly believe in the fundamental importance of literacy in shaping our students' long-term success. It is imperative that we provide them with opportunities to develop robust reading, writing, and critical thinking skills from an early age. As a school board commissioner, I will be committed to supporting this vision through various strategic initiatives:

1. Championing High-Quality Curriculum Materials: I will advocate for the implementation of high-quality curriculum materials, ensuring that they provide ample opportunities for students to develop strong language and literacy skills. I will work collaboratively with the administration to identify any gaps in the curriculum and propose necessary adjustments or revisions to address them effectively.

2. Supporting Teacher Development: Enhancing teacher effectiveness in teaching literacy is crucial. I will ensure that the budget approved by the board includes sufficient support for teachers to strengthen their capacity in planning and delivering instruction. This includes providing opportunities for professional development in the latest instructional strategies, such as phonics, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension techniques. Additionally, it is essential to provide students with opportunities to write and demonstrate their understanding of content and concepts, which will be facilitated through teacher training and support.

3. Promoting Parental Engagement: I recognize the significant impact of parental involvement in children's literacy development. I will advocate for programs that educate parents on the importance of reading at home and equip them with the tools to support their children effectively. By fostering stronger partnerships between parents and schools, we can bridge the gap between classroom learning and home practice.

4. Ensuring Equitable Resource Allocation: It is essential to ensure that all schools, especially those in underprivileged areas, have access to adequate resources. This includes modern libraries, diverse reading materials, and technology that facilitates interactive learning. Additionally, I will advocate for maintaining reasonable class sizes to enable more personalized attention for students struggling with literacy.

5. Providing Meaningful and Differentiated Tutoring: To support students effectively, it is crucial that the district provides meaningful and differentiated tutoring based on their individual needs. This will ensure that students receive targeted support to address their specific challenges and help them make gains on benchmark and TCAP tests. By focusing on these strategic areas, I am confident that we can make significant strides in improving student performance, particularly in third-grade literacy.

MSCS is facing about $1 billion in deferred maintenance and is putting together a comprehensive infrastructure plan. What are your priorities for the district’s infrastructure?

This district has not taken a preventive or sustainable approach in regards to infrastructure for some time now…addressing issues in a reactive rather than proactive manner. It's evident that the... estimate for deferred maintenance may just scratch the surface of the actual needs, as highlighted by the $2 million facilities assessment commissioned by the district. My primary focus will be on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the true state of our schools through this assessment, which may indeed reveal a greater need for investment than initially estimated. Once provided with this updated information, it will become imperative to conduct a thorough program assessment to ensure equity across all schools and communities.

This entails advocating for equitable distribution of program offerings, such as community schools, vocational education, and athletic facilities, ensuring they are not concentrated in specific areas but accessible to all. Moreover, we must address the issue of underutilized administrative buildings and vacant properties. By reviewing these assets and exploring opportunities for repurposing them, we can ensure efficient resource allocation while simultaneously uplifting communities and avoiding blight. To fund our infrastructure plan, we must adopt a multi-faceted approach.

This involves identifying efficiencies within our current resources and forging strategic partnerships with city, county, and state entities, as well as community partners and private investors. By pooling our collective resources and expertise, we can develop a sustainable funding plan that addresses our infrastructure needs while supporting the holistic development of our educational system and communities.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about your campaign and aspirations to join the school board?

It is a pivotal moment in our city's educational landscape, one that demands a proactive approach to ensure our students are equipped to thrive on a global scale. Safety should be a given, not a battle our students have to fight. As I aspire to join the school board, my primary goal is to align the board's objectives with those of the administration, ensuring transparency and accountability. We must not only set ambitious goals but also actively work towards achieving them. This is not just about District 4, but how each commissioner elected can create a brighter future for all 100,000 students and their families, along with the dedicated 6000 plus educators who guide them across the district.

Anecia Washington

43, center director for Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes

Talk about your background. What qualifies you to be a school board commissioner?

I hold varying degrees, certifications, and successful experiences throughout my over 20 year career in education. (MS State Univ. B.S.- Education 1999; MS College M. Ed.- Education 2000, Specialist- Leadership 2010, and M.Ed.- Dyslexia Therapy 2019)

MSCS has set significant academic goals, particularly when it comes to third-grade literacy. How do you think that, as a school board commissioner, you can help improve student performance?

As a school board commissioner, I would have the opportunity to provide effective literacy instruction strategic planning to help students successfully exceed the 3rd grade barrier. I am a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), Dyslexia Therapist, Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator trained to provide sequential, structured, multisensory literacy instruction that is based on the alphabetic principle. Also, I am trained in and lead a team of dynamic clinicians with Lindamood-Bell's sensory-cognitive methodologies. Reading and writing are my passion!

MSCS is facing about $1 billion in deferred maintenance and is putting together a comprehensive infrastructure plan. What are your priorities for the district’s infrastructure?

The priorities for comprehensive infrastructure planning should focus on meeting the direst of needs first, i.e., mold infestations, heating & cooling dilemmas, etc. Partnering with the City and MLGW to ensure powerlines are buried/maintained, overgrown trees are consistently cut on a schedule, etc. to help to curb unnecessary instructional losses. Also, I would like for the district to consider allowing current CCTE, STEM, and gifted students to partner to problem-solve, determine new ways of cost effectively solving issues that plague the current facilities, and feel empowered to repair and sustain their communities.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about your campaign and aspirations to join the school board?

Regardless of the outcome, I plan to continue to advocate for the needs of children and provide support for MSCS.

John Klyce covers education and children's issues for The Commercial Appeal. You can reach him at John.klyce@commercialappeal.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis-Shelby County Schools board elections: Read our Q&A with District 4 candidates