Students and alumni plead for Fairley High to remain open as a public charter school

Fairley High School students and alumni told the Memphis-Shelby County School Board they want the school to remain open as a public charter school.Fairley is among five public charter schools that have applied to transition out of the state’s Achievement School District (ASD) and into Memphis-Shelby County Schools. School Board members denied all five during Tuesday evening’s meeting.The ASD is a state school system that provides academic intervention to the lowest performing schools. Fairley High School was once a traditional public school, but a decade ago the state moved it under the ASD and “matched” the school with Green Dot under a ten-year contract.The organization has been managing the school ever since, but its future is now uncertain with the ten-year contract nearing expiration.“Green Dot took a chance on Fairley and it was successful, giving more opportunities to kids who need a chance to excel in college, leadership, and life,” said current Fairley senior, Xavion Clark.Green Dot Public Schools is a network of charter schools in Memphis, Los Angeles, California, and Beaumont, Texas. Fairley High School is a “turnaround” school and the first the organization has managed outside of California.Students and alumni told board members that they wanted Fairley to remain a Green Dot School because of the work the organization has done to improve school culture and help students succeed. They praised the extensive sports program and academic curriculum the school has to offer.“The college-focused curriculum, small class sizes, and embolden staff leads me to believe I will graduate with the skills I need to fulfill my next chapter. With the guidance of teachers and counselors, I have secured over $3 million in scholarships,” said senior Kayla Crawford.Alumni who graduated from Fairley when it was still a traditional public school also spoke favorably of the school’s improvement since joining Green Dot, saying that it was the best move for the school.“Why Green Dot? I have witnessed firsthand the transformation of a school from ten years ago until now. And what stands out the most is the Fairley school pride and a healthy culture to support every need of the students at Fairley. To have an administration team that allows out alumni to lean in whatever capacity that’s needed, I believe that not only is the continuing of Green Dot the best move for the current students, but also for the future,” said Fairley Alumni Association president Tamika Young.School Board members denied the request to move Fairley High under the district control along with Humes Middle School, MLK College Prep, Cornerstone Prep Lester Campus School, and Journey Coleman in one vote.Each school now has the option of submitting an amended application to the district for review.Schools denied by Memphis-Shelby County Schools do have the option of appealing to operate under the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission’s authority. Last year the Commission approved two ASD transition appeals and members approved another three ASD transition appeals in 2021.