MSCS ‘reset’ includes procurement audit and new cabinet member

Memphis-shelby County Schools has launched an external audit of its procurement processes, Interim Superintendent Toni Williams announced in a press release Thursday.

The procurement department is moving from its position under business and operations to the district’s finance department, Williams said.

Williams is the recent chief financial officer and indicated when she accepted the role that her team would lead the department.

Business operations will be led by newcomer Julius Muse, the current senior facilities director at CBRE, a real estate and investment firm.

Muse will replace Genard Phillips, who has told the district he is leaving his cabinet-level role in December, Williams said.

Phillips has overseen business operations since October 2019, when then-superintendent Joris Ray hired him alongside Williams and others.

The sweeping changes are among the first major shifts Williams has made in the role as interim superintendent since taking the post in late August following Ray’s termination.

At the time, Williams said a business review would be a top priority, alongside academics, but did not specify what changes may be forthcoming.

Top leadership has been rocked in the two months since with investigations of its deputy superintendent of operations John Barker and its chief of human resources Yolanda Martin, with both out on paid administrative leave.

“During my time as superintendent, I will intentionally listen and boldly act,” Williams said in a statement. “I will also remain laser-focused on the needs of our students and teachers while working collaboratively with our community.”

In addition to the independent audit of procurement processes, Williams said the department is being moved to finance to avoid conflicts of interest and improve the enforcement of policies and procedures.

As Muse moves into the top business operations role, he will be joined by two external consultants: Cerita Butler, who has worked recently with MSCS, and Brock Green, also of CBRE like Muse.

Jenikka Oglesby will start in November as the deputy of human resources, Williams said in the announcement. MSCS did not immediately clarify who Oglesby would be replacing. Since Martin’s placement on paid leave, the human resources department has been led collaboratively by HR department heads.

“Our District has been through a lot lately, which is a testament to our resilience.

“Transitions are never easy, but they are a necessary part of effective organizational change, and I am committed to pivoting toward progress,” Williams said in a statement.

“As we work together to continue our culture and climate reset at Central Office and districtwide, I am committed to guiding the process with integrity and community input.

“With your help, we will emerge from this reset stronger.”

Laura Testino covers education and children’s issues for the Commercial Appeal.

Reach her at laura.testino@commercialappeal.com or 901-512-3763. Find her on Twitter: @Ldtestino