Memphis-Shelby County School Board poised to approve new agreement for students to earn college credits

The Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education discussed HVAC upgrades and dual enrollment at Tuesday's work session meeting. (Screenshot) 

Members of the Memphis-Shelby County School Board signaled support for a dual enrollment agreement for the 2024-25 school year with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) at Tuesday’s work session meeting.

According to board documents, the TCAT dual enrollment program gives eligible high school students the opportunity to earn both college and high school graduation credits simultaneously. Board members also noted that there are nearly 300 students currently involved in dual enrollment programming, which the district hopes to expand in the years to come.

Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins said the district is looking to expose more students to dual enrollment opportunities by spreading awareness about them in schools. She said she and district leaders met with higher ed leaders across the state recently to discuss expanding dual enrollment programs and aviation programs specifically.

“Part of the expectations and conversations [we’ve had] with our counseling team is to stand up additional exposure to all of our colleges and universities’ opportunities and programs that students can benefit from,” she said. “Certainly, we saw more students this year at the College and Career Fair as well, and we’re continuing to do that. We’re also bringing representatives into campus to our respective high schools as well.”

In other business, officials recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approve contracts for eleven HVAC upgrades at Cromwell Elementary, Egypt Elementary, Ford Road Elementary, Gordon Achievement, Holmes Road Elementary, Kingsbury High, Norris Achievement, Oakshire Elementary, Raleigh Egypt Middle, Shrine School, and Springdale Elementary to be completed by December 10, 2025.

The project, which comes after recent school closures due to HVAC issues in the district, will cost about $24.7 million, according to Feagins.

“As we think about HVACs and the closures we’ve had, certainly the enhancements, upgrades and replacements are necessary,” she said.

The board will have an opportunity to approve both items at next Tuesday’s regular business meeting.