An overflow crowd turned out to learn the fate of Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Joris Ray – a man at the center of a sex scandal.
The school board announced that Ray, who leads the largest school system in Tennessee, has been placed on paid administrative leave from his post.The school board says the investigation will focus on alleged abuse of power and violations of policy.
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The school board began an external investigation after divorce documents showed Ray admitted to infidelity in his marriage and listed names of women — some of whom are either current or former school employees.
The school board voted 7-2 during a special called meeting Wednesday to select the attorney and place Ray on paid leave.Deputy Superintendents Angela Whitelaw and John Barker will assume Ray’s responsibilities, board chair Michelle McKissack told reporters.
Ray was placed on paid administrative leave, effective July 15. He earns a salary of $293,550 annually.
“I’m disappointed by the board’s actions tonight,” Ray said after the vote. “However, I want to make it clear that I respect the board’s oversight. They will have my full cooperation.”The school board meeting was packed with concerned citizens and supporters of the embattled superintendent.
“Our superintendent is the distraction and we all know it’s time for him to go,” said one resident at the school board meeting.
“I’m amazing at how we have lost respect for the institution of marriage – the lack of character as a public servant in what we are willing to accept,” said a retired Memphis police officer. “I do not accept the boss sleeping with his subordinates.”
But the overwhelming number of people who spoke at the school board meeting affirmed their support of the superintendent. One minister said the scandal-plagued superintendent was called by God to lead the school system.
