Memphis-Shelby County Schools
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.
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.
Twenty-four Memphis schools recently reported high lead levels in their water. The local health department says all students should be tested to avoid behavioral and learning effects.
The Shelby County Commission approved term limits for Memphis school board members. But commissioners again delayed a vote on an election year reset amid hours of heated debate.
A judge ruled against her request for a preliminary injunction in her ongoing lawsuit against the school board that fired her in January.
Most contaminated water sources are kitchen and concession stand sinks. But some sources have over 10 times the legal lead limit.
Chalkbeat Tennessee will keep you updated via text messages on important Memphis-Shelby County Schools board decisions every month.
As Memphis-Shelby County leadership faces potential shakeups, principals will start working with training coaches. And students will take district-wide tests three times this year to help provide more targeted support.
The local early education nonprofit is expected to receive the nearly $30 million annual grant instead of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. The district lost its contract due to multiple child safety violations.