Memphis-Shelby County Schools considering designating 23 academic spaces for reuse to save money
The new Facilities Steering Committee for Memphis-Shelby County Schools will be evaluating a potentially major change for district buildings to raise money for improvements.The committee held its first meeting last week and is expected to make a recommendation to school board members in the coming weeks to address the district’s deferred maintenance costs, which are approximately $500 million.One proposed move under consideration is to designate 23 district facilities for reuse. MSCS did not identify which academic spaces that would include, but leaders estimate the district could create more than $149 million in savings.
The steering committee includes local educators, business leaders, and elected officials in Shelby County.“The purpose of these discussions is to create and implement a strategic and responsive solution that will not only address our deferred maintenance but also give us an opportunity to invest in our students, schools, and the communities surrounding them,” said Interim Superintendent Toni Williams. “Our top priority is to invest in our students and offer them the best academic opportunities.”
The district’s proposed infrastructure plan includes three planning phases.Phase 1 would provide 50 schools and administrative buildings with renovations, reuse and mixed-use opportunities, and consolidations over the next five years.Phase 2 would include pursuing enhanced funding strategies with the city, county, and state along with strengthening partnership with More for Memphis to aid community outreach.Phase 3 would provide renovations, reuse and mixed-use opportunities, and consolidations to 110 schools in 10 years.The district currently owns, operates, and maintains over 200 properties. The properties consist of 155 school campuses, 13 stadiums, 18 administrative locations, 17 vacant lots, and six vacant buildings.
