District management
MSCS leaders said 11 Frayser-Corning teachers could be affected if the school shuts down. Some parents worry that will harm students who’ve grown attached.
Roderick Richmond’s term ends July 31. The board is asking MSCS teachers and staff to anonymously review his 10-month performance.
The MSCS board voted Tuesday to hire a lawyer who will assess the legality of cutting short five members' terms in the 2026 race. Candidate filing starts next month.
Each of the schools at risk of closing this year will have a meeting over the next two months. The first will be at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Frayser-Corning Elementary School.
It’s one of many proposals put forward by the district's facilities committee to help address over $1 billion in MSCS maintenance costs over the next decade.
MSCS educators say fewer students are showing up to class due to fear of encountering ICE agents while traveling to and from buildings.
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.
Superintendent Roderick Richmond is proposing sending displaced students into nearby schools to fill open seats.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
MSCS officials said Friday that contaminated water sources were shut off before school began. There’s still work ahead to turn fountains back on and keep buildings cool and insect-free.
County commissioners dropped their original plan to put all Memphis school board seats on the ballot in 2026. But opponents say delaying changes to 2030 doesn’t solve constitutional problems.
Students will be required to keep personal devices, including smartwatches, turned off and put away during school hours. Violating that policy could come with consequences, up to suspension.