Memphis-Shelby County Schools
MSCS educators say fewer students are showing up to class due to fear of encountering ICE agents while traveling to and from buildings.
Local educators say Hispanic students and parents are afraid to leave their homes and risk detainment. Some want the district to offer more support.
After a COVID-era slump, Tennessee’s graduation rate has improved for a third consecutive year. In total, 69 districts in the state had graduation rate increases this year.
The commission secured just enough votes Monday to overturn the mayor’s decision. That means five school board members will serve only half of their allotted terms.
A Memphis lawmaker wants Tennessee voters to be able to recall local elected officials, including school boards, as an “accountability” measure.
Donna Goings, MSCS’ mental health director, says attendance at suicide and bullying prevention trainings dropped by two-thirds last year. That’s because most students don’t return now-required permission slips.
Superintendent Roderick Richmond is proposing sending displaced students into nearby schools to fill open seats.
The Tennessee Charter Commission decision means Kirby Middle School and Hillcrest High School will return to local control under the Memphis-Shelby County school system. What will happen to the schools and hundreds of students isn’t clear.
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.
Recommendation to shutter four MSCS schools leaves many details up in the air. Here are the key questions we’re following.
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.
Experts point to factors like surges in private and homeschool options and general population decreases. The losses come with big implications for Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ budget and impending school closures.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools cut teacher vacancies by hundreds compared with this time last year, thanks to a bolstered HR team, an official said. Over 200 new hires hold conditional licenses, which expire in 3 years.
The county commission remains divided on whether to put Memphis school board seats on the ballot in 2026 or 2030, with some worried about legality issues. A small group of critical parents is pushing for immediate action.
MSCS leaders will pay outside company Reading Horizons over $540,000 for its dyslexia-specific tutoring curriculum. But one local literacy expert worries it won’t be enough to boost proficiency.
MSCS earned the highest score in the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System for the fourth year in a row. But younger students lost progress in social studies, falling behind expected growth.
MSCS is in no position to turn down money that could ease growing maintenance issues. But a small group of students is protesting xAI’s investment over environmental concerns.