Dr. Kriner Cash officially signed on to lead the Memphis City Schools during a special board meeting Monday at the Board of Education. The former Miami schools executive will be paid a base salary of $258,000 annually for four years. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
Two who should meet – soon
The Mayor of Memphis and the Superintendent of Memphis City Schools are two of the most important public figures in the Bluff City and especially now as controversy engulfs the funding of schools. Around town, people are asking, “When are they going to meet?”“To my knowledge, the two of them have not met face to face, but it’s only the superintendent’s second day. I am sure he is consumed with getting acclimated to his new position and all it’s going to entail.”
Toni Holman-Turner Executive Assistant, Mayor Willie W. Herenton
“The new superintendent has not been in conversation with Mayor Herenton at this point. He has been constantly in meetings with school staff and administration. But I am sure he would welcome the opportunity to meet with Mayor Herenton and any other city officials to move Memphis forward through education.”
Heather Danielson Communications, Marketing, and Development Memphis City Schools
Jayne Phillips
“I think our mayor should contact the new school superintendent to welcome him to Memphis. That would be the proper thing to do. I don’t think Mayor Herenton should have made those remarks about Dr. Cash. We should give him a chance to prove himself.”
Veronica Chisem
“Right now, I don’t think that should be a high priority. Dr. Cash just started his job on Tuesday, and I’m sure he is trying to jump in and deal with other serious matters such as the budget cuts and lawsuit. Contact between the two right now is just not necessary at this point.”
Rev. Aaron Litzsey
“I am new to Memphis, but I believe the city is so unique in that we have a mayor so colorful, animated, and controversial. Yet, no one can beat him at the polls, it seems. I think Mayor Herenton should be the first to make contact. I don’t know that he will, but I think it’s the hospitable thing to do.”
Dr. Phyllis Williams
“I believe that Mayor Herenton should extend himself and make contact with Dr. Cash. The new superintendent should be welcomed to our city by our highest official. It’s just fitting and right to make the dignified and hospitable gesture.”
