Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Board members were divided in a vote Wednesday to promote the interim leader to a full-time gig. Some argued a full search would be needed for transparency, while others stressed the urgency for stability.
The district received a waiver from the Tennessee Department of Education after taking two full weeks off of class. That exceeded MSCS’ built-in snow days by two, prompting the need for state assistance.
The MSCS board is set to vote Wednesday on whether to initiate a full search process as interim leader Roderick Richmond’s contract expires. The decision comes as state lawmakers push to upend the district leadership system.
The judge ruled Monday that the county commission’s bid to put all nine school board seats up for election this year is invalid. That saves five MSCS board members from facing shortened terms.
The district says state auditors haven’t presented any evidence of fraud or abuse to constitute further investment. Republican lawmakers didn’t name specifics either.
The district used up all of its built-in snow days as of Wednesday. Thursday’s closure means MSCS students could lose scheduled break time or face an extended school year.
Tennessee Republicans have been pushing for an MSCS takeover since July. Community advocates say they’ve been working behind the scenes to protect local control.
After a week of school closures, many Tennessee districts are running low on snow days. What happens next?
The district is moving quickly through its allowance of inclement-weather days.
The district has cancelled class for three days in a row this week in the aftermath of last weekend’s winter storm.
While Memphis dodged anticipated power outages, officials are still working to clear local streets buried in snow.
According to Saturday’s social media post, the district will continue to monitor weather conditions to see if additional cancellations are needed.
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.