District management
Oversight board Chair Billy Orgel informed the court Tuesday that last week’s meeting demonstrated the board’s readiness to take control of Memphis schools.
Nearly 20% of educators left Memphis-Shelby County Schools last year, sparking concerns as the district faces a potential state takeover and persistent teacher retention challenges.
Board Chair Tamarques Porter and Vice Chair Sable Otey said in an exclusive interview with Chalkbeat that they’re focused on improving teacher development and rebuilding trust in MSCS.
A federal judge indicated Monday that he plans to lift the block on the state-appointed oversight board once it says it is ready to begin work.
Tamarques Porter was elected to replace Natalie McKinney as Memphis-Shelby County school board chair. Sable Otey was tapped as vice-chair, replacing Joyce Dorse Coleman.
More than three months after Memphis school leaders sued over Tennessee’s takeover law, the case’s first full hearing is set for Oct. 2 in Nashville.
A virtual panel agreed that MSCS needs a public, sustainable plan to outlast superintendent and board turnover. They disagree on the details.
18 schools will remain closed for a second day. The district canceled classes Monday after a Saturday storm caused widespread power outages, including at 40 schools.
Most Memphians agree that something needs to change in MSCS to help students succeed. RSVP to join Chalkbeat Tennessee’s Bri Hatch and local education experts Aug. 31 for a live virtual event on potential solutions.
In a divided vote Monday, Shelby County commissioners adopted the 2026-27 school year budget that includes teacher bonuses for high-need positions and $200 million for building repairs.
Together4Students wants MSCS to drop its lawsuit over the state takeover. It’s training young fellows to rally support.
Early voters begin casting their ballots Friday to elect two new members to MSCS board seats. But it’s unclear how much power those elected candidates will have.
Most of the $53 million identified as potential abuse spending comes from a 2022 custodial contract that district leaders referred to the FBI for investigation.
Nashville Republicans used early audit findings to fast-track the state takeover of MSCS this spring. Final results come as the takeover is in limbo.
A federal judge temporarily blocked the Memphis schools takeover after officials argued it could delay important decisions on purchases like HVAC repairs.
At a community advocacy event Saturday, dozens of Memphis parents told Chalkbeat they want new district leadership to better address reading gaps and district distrust.
Tennessee Republicans want to use Houston’s 2023 takeover as a model for Memphis. Here are the early changes Texas officials made to class curriculum and staffing.
The $1.7 billion proposal now goes to the Shelby County Commission for approval. It’s unclear whether a state-appointed oversight board will have a role in the process.
The nine appointees will have control over key MSCS decisions, including the budget and school leadership, for four years.
The South Memphis alternative school will relocate to Norris Achievement Academy for at least one year. District leaders faced community backlash over the school’s impending closure.