MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The head of Shelby County Schools stepped down, as all eyes turn towards the search for a new leader.
As the search continues, the Unified School Board wants to hear from parents and the community. The problem: There were more school staff members at the meeting at East High School than parents.
"It is kind of a letdown to come in and see that there is not that many people here," said Genessa Boyd.
Body has seven children in Memphis City Schools and says parents have a vested interest in picking the next leader.
"I want someone who is strong, somebody who will bring our children where they need to be," she said.
Consultants hired by the School Board say they'll take the input from these meetings and use it to help in the search for an ideal candidate for the job.
The meeting came 24 hours after John Aitken stepped down as the head of Shelby County Schools. The board voted, at Aitken's request, to buy out his contract.
"It is time for us to stop thinking about that, I know John would want us to do that, he said it last night, let's continue the work he began," said school board member Mary Ann Gibson.
"The crowd is what needs to be heard, as one we need to stand, it takes a village to raise a child, and it took a village to raise me," said Boyd.
The community will have another chance on Thursday night. Another listening session is set for 7 p.m. at Houston High School in Germantown.
