Laura Testino

Reporter, Chalkbeat Tennessee

Laura Testino is a Chalkbeat Tennessee reporter based in Memphis, her home since 2019. Her love for the city grew through prior reporting experience covering education and general news for The Commercial Appeal newspaper. While a journalism and dance student at The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa piqued her interest in the ways education systems shape communities. A stint covering arts and culture in New Orleans at The Times-Picayune only made her more fond of Southern cities, and interested in the equity of their school systems. When she isn’t out reporting, she’s probably at the park with Rita, her Alabama dog adopted in New York City.

In order to maintain some of the academic strategies and programs supported by expiring pandemic relief funds, the district may reexamine how its schools are run.

Prize-winning authors spoke to Whitehaven H.S. students but had to hold back on discussing themes of systemic racism.

Draft proposals outline more than $200 million in savings through closures and consolidations, while a new committee will explore redevelopment opportunities.

The Midtown Memphis school building will get additional upgrades while it is treated for a mold problem discovered one month into the 2023-24 school year.

Young’s proposals include capital investments for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, which is poised to establish a new facilities plan in the coming months.

Vote signals continued trust in Greene as the district proceeds with revamped superintendent search.

A proposed contract, due for a board vote next week, would split the work among four vendors, including ServiceMaster Clean.

Johnson’s stroke, the second for a school board member in as many years, underscores the pressure of public service roles, said his pastor.

Would they support city funding for Memphis-Shelby County Schools? How would they alleviate barriers to education? What is a quality school? Chalkbeat asked the candidates 8 questions.