Memphis-Shelby County Schools security director resigns days after starting the job

George Harris, the executive director of safety and security for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, resigned over the weekend, according to the district.

The departure comes about a week after Harris assumed the post and days after a contentious meeting with Harris and MSCS Superintendent Marie Feagins where school resource officers demanded wage increases and threatened to not work without the pay hike. The resource officers walked out of the meeting, according to video obtained by The Commercial Appeal.

In the wake of that meeting, the district is poised to institute a new salary schedule with significant hikes for district security personnel.

Harris, who officially split with the district Saturday, cited "personal reasons" for leaving the job.

"I have enjoyed my short time with an amazing team of Directors Riley, Elliott, and Boyd; they do amazing work," Harris said in a statement.

The new five-step, five-year payment structure was detailed in an Aug. 12 letter from Feagins to safety and security officers and sergeants, which was obtained by The CA. Step one is expected to start officers’ pay at $25 an hour, while the final fifth step brings them to $30 an hour. Sergeants are expected to start at $34 an hour, with the fifth step bringing them to $38 an hour.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis-Shelby County Schools security director resigns days after starting the job