Bri Hatch

Bri Hatch

Reporter, Chalkbeat

Bri Hatch spent the past two years in Baltimore covering all-things education for WYPR, the city's local NPR station, as a Report for America Corps Member. They spear-headed a collaboration across five Baltimore news outlets focused on solutions to issues faced by young people, leading to a story on a nonprofit that employs teens as free community bike mechanics. Hatch led their college newspaper from 2022-23, investigating responses to student criminal convictions. They interned for the Chronicle of Higher Education in 2022, earning a Hearst feature award for their reporting on the complicated legal battle over a donated "Wizard of Oz" dress. Outside of the newsroom, you can catch Hatch at a local coffee shop reading the latest sci-fi romance novel, or at an indie/folk/anything concert.

Two of the four schools slated for closure this year are located in Frayser. MSCS leaders say next Wednesday’s meeting will give families important information about suggested shutdowns and other topics.

Mayor Lee Harris rejected the proposal to avoid cutting short five current board members’ terms. The county commission can override the veto within 30 days.

Some incumbent MSCS board members say they won’t align with a party. But that could put them at a disadvantage in a Democratic stronghold like Shelby County.

The National Assessment Governing Board, which controls NAEP testing, tapped Mark White as its new leader. He is at the center of some of Tennessee’s most heated education debates.

The MSCS board elected Natalie McKinney as its leader Tuesday with six votes.

Recommendation to shutter four MSCS schools leaves many details up in the air. Here are the key questions we’re following.

MSCS leaders say the affected schools have costly maintenance needs and low utilization. A fifth school is slated to be transferred to a neighboring suburban district.

Five school board members will now only serve half their terms, which opponents say is unconstitutional.

Memphis gym and health teachers will instruct students on gun safety curriculum this fall. Though some parents at a town hall this week asked to remove their kids from the training, a district official said that is not an option.

It’s unclear which schools will be included in the plan that could come as early as Tuesday. There are several MSCS buildings quickly approaching the end of their useful life.