Memphis-Shelby County Schools
The MSCS board rejected a contract with ABM Industries twice, leaving the schools without cleaning services through January. Parents say conditions are “deplorable.”
Lawmakers say they want to improve Memphis academic performance like a 2023 Houston takeover did. But Texas measures school progress differently, so results may not be the same.
In December, MSCS board members filed an initial lawsuit against local election leaders for putting all nine seats on the ballot. Now, they’re also targeting the county government for authorizing those changes in the first place.
It would be the second donation this year from an entity tied to Musk. MSCS approved the first in July, sparking backlash amid community protests over xAI data centers.
Roderick Richmond’s temporary contract expires in July. Two board members want to appoint him as the full-time leader without a search, despite a gap in favorability among principals and school-level staff.
Ida B. Wells Academy is 1 of 5 schools the district is recommending for closure due to high facilities costs and chronic underenrollment. Parents say it should be a model for the district.
Memphis Republicans want a state-appointed oversight board to control the district. Their plan is likely headed to a special committee to hash out a compromise.
MSCS school board candidates can begin filing to run starting today. Most incumbents will be seeking re-election, especially those facing shortened terms.
The number of MSCS schools earning the lowest grade, an F, stayed stagnant. But two-thirds of the district’s schools received a C or higher, an increase from last year.
The facilities proposal includes a plan to close three to five schools per year. Five schools have already been recommended for closure in 2026.
The Shelby County Commission reset the election timeline this fall, cutting five school board members’ terms short. The new lawsuit comes days before candidates can begin requesting election petitions for the 2026 May primaries.
MSCS officials say closing Georgian Hills Elementary would consolidate neighborhood enrollment into fewer buildings, reducing district cost.
Board members didn’t budge on their refusal to hire ABM Industries due to complaints filed over a decade ago. The current contract expires Dec. 31.
The new safety center uses artificial intelligence and live camera footage to monitor MSCS campuses all day, every day. It’s a security upgrade years in the making.
MSCS leaders want to create the third combined middle-high school in the district if Chickasaw Middle closes in June. Parents worry that will spark behavioral issues.
MSCS leaders recommended combining Lucy Elementary School with Woodstock Middle to fill more seats. But parents worry about safety issues caused by big student age gaps.
Board members said the company recommended by MSCS leaders has a history of poor service. It’s not the first time custodian contracts have caused issues.
MSCS board members say expanding bus eligibility will reduce ICE-related absenteeism. But they haven’t set a deadline to put changes in place.
Roderick Richmond says he’s helped rebuild trust in the district over the past 11 months. But it’s up to the school board to decide who takes over in July.
Thirty-nine MSCS schools will face a new intervention model to boost student performance. But the district is also improving under the new system.