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Memphis Education News

Education news from Memphis and surrounding communities

351 articles

Latest Articles

pictures of candidates running for school board
Local Education

Here’s Who’s Running for Memphis-Shelby County Schools District 6

MAY 4, 2026 | Jacob Holley

All five candidates will be on the ballot for Tuesday's primary election.

Here’s Who’s Running for Memphis-Shelby County Schools District 1
Elections

Here’s Who’s Running for Memphis-Shelby County Schools District 1

MAY 1, 2026 | Jacob Holley

Early voting begins on April 15, and all three candidates will be on the ballot as Democrats for the May 5 primary.

Something is Missing from the Memphis School Intervention Debate
State Education

Something is Missing from the Memphis School Intervention Debate

APR 30, 2026 | Sky Arnold

Opponents brought up union concerns this week, but didn’t mention students.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Denies Six Charter Schools Without Discussion
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Denies Six Charter Schools Without Discussion

APR 29, 2026 | Jacob Holley

The district voted down applications for Blueprint College and Career Prep, Empowerment Academy, Memphis Elites STEAM Academy, Opportunity Youth Academy, and Ur...

Shelby County Commission Fails to Approve Funding to Fight School Takeover
Local Education

Shelby County Commission Fails to Approve Funding to Fight School Takeover

APR 28, 2026 | Jacob Holley

The commission voted 7-5 to act against the state’s takeover, but a two-thirds majority is needed to add the measure to the agenda for later voting.

Former Memphis Principal to Lead Proposed Urban Dove Charter School
Local Education

Former Memphis Principal to Lead Proposed Urban Dove Charter School

APR 23, 2026 | Jacob Holley

Gaston is the School Leader for the Urban Dove Team Charter School Memphis I, a planned charter school in the Hickory Hill area of Memphis that emphasizes learn...

State Oversight of Memphis-Shelby County Schools Heads to Governor’s Desk
State Education

State Oversight of Memphis-Shelby County Schools Heads to Governor’s Desk

APR 23, 2026 | Jacob Holley

The House voted to adopt legislation that creates an oversight board over certain school districts, including MSCS. It now heads to Governor Bill Lee’s desk for...

State Oversight of Memphis-Shelby County Schools Moves Closer to Passage
State Education

State Oversight of Memphis-Shelby County Schools Moves Closer to Passage

APR 22, 2026 | Jacob Holley

The Senate voted to approve an oversight board with far-reaching powers for Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) beginning next school year.

Libertas School of Memphis Approved to Open High School
Local Education

Libertas School of Memphis Approved to Open High School

APR 21, 2026 | Jacob Holley

The public charter school is the first approved under a new state law that makes it easier to replicate existing school models.

Lawmakers Move Revised Plan for State Oversight into Memphis Schools
Local Education

Lawmakers Move Revised Plan for State Oversight into Memphis Schools

APR 20, 2026 | Jacob Holley

The new plan would create an oversight board with the authority to deny school board actions.

Lawmakers to Decide Next Week on Memphis Shelby County Schools Intervention
Local Education

Lawmakers to Decide Next Week on Memphis Shelby County Schools Intervention

APR 17, 2026 | Jacob Holley

A conference committee has been named to iron out the differences between two plans.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Launches Website to Respond to Audit Findings
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Launches Website to Respond to Audit Findings

APR 7, 2026 | Jacob Holley

The site serves as a resource to track its response to the audit and provide transparency on its operations.

Libertas School of Memphis Makes the Case for a New High School
Local Education

Libertas School of Memphis Makes the Case for a New High School

APR 6, 2026 | Jacob Holley

The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission held a public hearing to give school leaders and parents an opportunity to explain why the new school is needed.

Preliminary Audit of Memphis-Shelby County Schools Finds Widespread Waste and Fraud
Local Education

Preliminary Audit of Memphis-Shelby County Schools Finds Widespread Waste and Fraud

APR 1, 2026 | Jacob Holley

In the audit, officials revealed nearly 175 deficiencies involving a wide range of “widespread operational failures.”

With State Audit Looming, Memphis-Shelby County Superintendent’s Job Security Weakened
Local Education

With State Audit Looming, Memphis-Shelby County Superintendent’s Job Security Weakened

MAR 19, 2026 | Jacob Holley

The long-awaited forensic audit in Memphis-Shelby County Schools is days away from release, according to a Facebook post by Representative Mark White, R-Memphis...

Memphis Leaders Announce Plan to Avoid State Intervention
Local Education

Memphis Leaders Announce Plan to Avoid State Intervention

MAR 6, 2026 | Sky Arnold

The Local Accountability and Transformation Plan will prioritize four goals.

State Senators Vote Against Policy They Approved 10 Months Ago
State Education

State Senators Vote Against Policy They Approved 10 Months Ago

FEB 24, 2026 | Sky Arnold

Sen. Seal and Hatcher helped reform the approval process for charter schools.

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Appoints Dr. Roderick Richmond as Permanent Superintendent
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Appoints Dr. Roderick Richmond as Permanent Superintendent

FEB 12, 2026 | Jacob Holley

Richmond has been serving as interim superintendent since the board fired former superintendent, Dr. Marie Feagins last year.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Receives State Reprieve for Exceeding its Snow Days
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Receives State Reprieve for Exceeding its Snow Days

FEB 11, 2026 | Sky Arnold

The district has received a waiver covering five impacted days and will not need to adjust its school calendar.

Shelby County Chancellor Rules Against Cutting Five School Board Members’ Terms
Local Education

Shelby County Chancellor Rules Against Cutting Five School Board Members’ Terms

FEB 9, 2026 | Sky Arnold

County commissioners approved the plan last year to align all nine school board seats on the same 2026 election cycle. 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Exceeds its ‘Snow Days’
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Exceeds its ‘Snow Days’

FEB 5, 2026 | Sky Arnold

The district closed schools for the ninth consecutive day on Thursday.

Agreement Reached to Provide Custodial Services to More than 30 Memphis Schools
Local Education

Agreement Reached to Provide Custodial Services to More than 30 Memphis Schools

JAN 23, 2026 | Sky Arnold

Those schools have been without formal custodial services this year, following a decision last month against approving a contract with ABM Industries.

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Appears Poised to Appoint Dr. Roderick Richmond as the Permanent Superintendent
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Appears Poised to Appoint Dr. Roderick Richmond as the Permanent Superintendent

JAN 22, 2026 | Sky Arnold

At Tuesday night’s board work session, multiple members expressed support to keep interim superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond on the job.

Memphis Lawmakers Reach Agreement on Plan to Enable State Intervention into Memphis-Shelby County Schools
State Education

Memphis Lawmakers Reach Agreement on Plan to Enable State Intervention into Memphis-Shelby County Schools

JAN 14, 2026 | Sky Arnold

State Senator Brent Taylor has agreed to move forward with State Representative Mark White’s plan to create a state-appointed oversight board for Memphis-Shelby...

Shelby County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon’s Effort to Roll Back School Board Election Shake-Up Faces a Setback
Local Education

Shelby County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon’s Effort to Roll Back School Board Election Shake-Up Faces a Setback

JAN 7, 2026 | Sky Arnold

Commissioner Sugarmon’s resolution would allow five school board members to serve out their complete four-year term.

More Tennessee Schools Receive an A on this Year’s School Letter Grades
State Education

More Tennessee Schools Receive an A on this Year’s School Letter Grades

DEC 18, 2025 | Sky Arnold

355 schools across the state received an overall A letter grade, compared to 290 last year.

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Challenges the Constitutionality of Re-Election Shake-Up
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Challenges the Constitutionality of Re-Election Shake-Up

DEC 18, 2025 | Sky Arnold

Board attorneys argue that election officials had no authority to place the terms of five school board members up for re-election two years early.

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Leaves Schools in the Northwest Region Without Custodial Services to Start the New Year
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Leaves Schools in the Northwest Region Without Custodial Services to Start the New Year

DEC 16, 2025 | Sky Arnold

Members failed to approve a $7.2 million contract with ABM Industries to clean all district buildings in the region for the 2026 calendar year.

Expanding School Bus Service for Memphis Families Concerned About ICE Could Cost $20 Million
Local Education

Expanding School Bus Service for Memphis Families Concerned About ICE Could Cost $20 Million

DEC 3, 2025 | Sky Arnold

The district estimates that expanding busing to more students by reducing the parent responsibility zone could increase costs by $9.7 million to $20.5 million.

One Out of Every Three Reward Schools in Memphis and Nashville are Public Charter Schools
State Education

One Out of Every Three Reward Schools in Memphis and Nashville are Public Charter Schools

NOV 21, 2025 | Sky Arnold

Sixteen of Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ 44 Reward schools are public charter schools, along with eight of Nashville’s 28 Reward schools.

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Takes Steps to Challenge Re-Election Shake-up
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Takes Steps to Challenge Re-Election Shake-up

NOV 20, 2025 | Sky Arnold

Last month, commissioners voted to put all nine school board seats on the ballot in 2026, including five board members elected last year who would now face re-e...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Expands Bus Access Citing Attendance Concerns Amid ICE and National Guard Presence
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Expands Bus Access Citing Attendance Concerns Amid ICE and National Guard Presence

OCT 30, 2025 | Katerine Gerasimenko

The Memphis-Shelby County School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to expand bus eligibility for all students, citing attendance declines and safety concerns amid...

All Nine Memphis-Shelby School Board Seats Headed for Election After Commission Overrides Mayor’s Veto
Local Education

All Nine Memphis-Shelby School Board Seats Headed for Election After Commission Overrides Mayor’s Veto

OCT 29, 2025 | Katerine Gerasimenko

Shelby County Commissioners voted 8–4 to override Mayor Lee Harris’ veto and put all nine Memphis-Shelby County School Board seats on the ballot in 2026.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Proposes Major Consolidation Plan, Targeting $6 Million in Annual Savings
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Proposes Major Consolidation Plan, Targeting $6 Million in Annual Savings

OCT 23, 2025 | Katerine Gerasimenko

Memphis-Shelby County Schools is proposing a sweeping consolidation plan that would merge or close several campuses across the city, saving more than $6 million...

Tennessee Commission Denies Four Memphis Charter School Proposals
State Education

Tennessee Commission Denies Four Memphis Charter School Proposals

OCT 18, 2025 | Katerine Gerasimenko

The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission voted Friday to deny four Memphis charter school proposals, including two new schools and two currently operating...

Tennessee Charter Commission Executive Director Recommends Denial for Four Memphis Charter School Proposals
State Education

Tennessee Charter Commission Executive Director Recommends Denial for Four Memphis Charter School Proposals

OCT 14, 2025 | Katerine Gerasimenko

Tennessee Charter Commission Executive Director Tess Stovall has recommended denying four Memphis charter school proposals, citing concerns over financial readi...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Approves Sale of Historic School Elvis Presley Attended
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Approves Sale of Historic School Elvis Presley Attended

OCT 1, 2025 | Sky Arnold

The expense of maintaining and repairing both buildings played a key role in each decision, as the district has faced challenges in recent years keeping up some...

Every Memphis-Shelby County School Board Seat Will Be Back on the Ballot in 2026 Following Commission Vote
Local Education

Every Memphis-Shelby County School Board Seat Will Be Back on the Ballot in 2026 Following Commission Vote

SEP 24, 2025 | Katerine Gerasimenko

All nine Memphis-Shelby County Schools board seats will be back on the ballot in 2026 after commissioners voted to move up the election cycle, shortening terms ...

Tennessee Gubernatorial Candidates Take a Stand on Sending National Guard to Memphis
Elections

Tennessee Gubernatorial Candidates Take a Stand on Sending National Guard to Memphis

SEP 16, 2025 | Sky Arnold

Both leading Republican candidates in the 2026 governor’s race are applauding President Trump’s decision that also appears to have given one Democratic candidat...

Memphis Students to Receive Gun Safety Education This Month
Local Education

Memphis Students to Receive Gun Safety Education This Month

SEP 4, 2025 | Sky Arnold

Lawmakers passed the legislation last year, requiring every public school district in the state to develop an age-appropriate curriculum for all grade levels, i...

Judge Denies Former Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent’s Request to be Reinstated
Local Education

Judge Denies Former Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent’s Request to be Reinstated

AUG 12, 2025 | Sky Arnold

On Friday, Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Robert Childers issued an order denying Feagins’ request for a preliminary injunction of her controversial terminat...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Approves Fourth KIPP School
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Approves Fourth KIPP School

JUL 31, 2025 | Sky Arnold

The vote aligns with a recommendation from the district charter review team that found the school met all state standards.

Shelby County Commission Delays Vote That Could Cut School Board Members’ Terms Short
Local Education

Shelby County Commission Delays Vote That Could Cut School Board Members’ Terms Short

JUL 30, 2025 | Katerine Gerasimenko

A controversial effort to reset all Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) board terms in 2026 hit pause Monday as the Shelby County Commission delayed its vote, ...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Face Possible Loss of $17 Million in Federal Funding
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Face Possible Loss of $17 Million in Federal Funding

JUL 8, 2025 | Katerine Gerasimenko

Memphis-Shelby Public Schools says district staff are monitoring pending federal decisions that could affect approximately $17 million in funding for district p...

Memphis Holds an Event to Support Families of the Now-Closed Promise Academy Hollywood
Local Education

Memphis Holds an Event to Support Families of the Now-Closed Promise Academy Hollywood

JUN 26, 2025 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman announced Promise Academy Hollywood’s voluntary closure at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Sale of Wooddale Middle School Building Aided by New Charter Law
Local Education

Sale of Wooddale Middle School Building Aided by New Charter Law

JUN 26, 2025 | Sky Arnold

The school board is expected to vote next week on the proposed $2.5 million sale of the Wooddale building.

How Two Memphis Schools Slashed Chronic Absenteeism and What Others Can Learn.
Local Education

How Two Memphis Schools Slashed Chronic Absenteeism and What Others Can Learn.

JUN 17, 2025 | Katerine Gerasimenko

Just two years ago, chronic absenteeism was a crisis at Compass Berclair school in Memphis. During the 2021-22 school year, more than half of its students — 55....

House speaker alleges Memphis-County Schools’ staff destroyed documents in advance of a state audit
State Government

House speaker alleges Memphis-County Schools’ staff destroyed documents in advance of a state audit

JUN 13, 2025 | Sky Arnold

The audit was among multiple options lawmakers considered for the district, following the controversial firing of former Superintendent Marie Feagins after less...

Interim Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent discusses plan to improve communication and rebuild trust
Local Education

Interim Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent discusses plan to improve communication and rebuild trust

JUN 4, 2025 | Alison Nickas

Interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond continues to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools, unveiling a 100-Day Plan and proposing a $1.85B budget focused on ...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board issues statement of support for undocumented students
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board issues statement of support for undocumented students

MAY 28, 2025 | Sky Arnold

The resolution states that the district’s legal department has provided guidance to principals about how to respond to requests or visits from ICE so that “no i...

Governor signs legislation supporters say will improve the application process for public charter schools
State Education

Governor signs legislation supporters say will improve the application process for public charter schools

MAY 27, 2025 | Sky Arnold

Under the new law, charter operators that want to replicate an existing academic model, or public colleges and universities that want to establish charters, now...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board members propose resolution in support of undocumented students
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board members propose resolution in support of undocumented students

MAY 15, 2025 | Sky Arnold

The board is scheduled to vote on a resolution at its May 27 meeting to protect immigrant students who attend district schools.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools files lawsuit in federal court over student data leak
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools files lawsuit in federal court over student data leak

MAY 12, 2025 | Sky Arnold

The lawsuit claims the software provider failed to implement basic cybersecurity measures that could have prevented the data breach that included information on...

Five Memphis-Shelby County School Board seats could be up for re-election two years early
Elections

Five Memphis-Shelby County School Board seats could be up for re-election two years early

MAY 6, 2025 | Sky Arnold

County commissioners could use new legislation to align school board races with other county elections, even if that meant shortening some board members’ terms.

Memphis-Shelby County School Board denies three proposed public charter schools
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board denies three proposed public charter schools

APR 29, 2025 | Alison Nickas

The board rejected applications from Still I Rise Academy, KIPP Memphis Creative and Performing Arts Elementary School, and Dream Catchers Charter School.

Memphis-Shelby County School Board member apologizes for comments threatening to deport former student
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board member apologizes for comments threatening to deport former student

APR 23, 2025 | Sky Arnold

The apology from board member Towanna Murphy comes after messages she sent to a 2023 MSCS graduate threatening to have her deported were made public.

Lawmakers pass conflicting bills to enable state intervention into Memphis-Shelby County Schools, tabling it for the year
State Education

Lawmakers pass conflicting bills to enable state intervention into Memphis-Shelby County Schools, tabling it for the year

APR 22, 2025 | Alison Nickas

The future of legislation to enable state-intervention into Memphis-Shelby County Schools could be decided in a conference committee.

Memphis school intervention bill heads to both chambers’ floors with key questions unanswered
State Education

Memphis school intervention bill heads to both chambers’ floors with key questions unanswered

APR 16, 2025 | Sky Arnold

If each chamber passes its version, the final details of one of the most talked about pieces of legislation this session would be decided in a conference commit...

Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) testing begins for Tennessee students
State Education

Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) testing begins for Tennessee students

APR 14, 2025 | Alison Nickas

The TCAP is a statewide standardized testing program that includes assessments in English language arts (ELA), math, science, and social studies.

House Education Committee advances state intervention bill for Memphis-Shelby County Schools
State Education

House Education Committee advances state intervention bill for Memphis-Shelby County Schools

APR 3, 2025 | Alison Nickas

Speaking to House Education Committee members Wednesday evening, Representative Mark White said only 17 percent of the district’s students demonstrate proficien...

Legislation allowing state intervention into Memphis-Shelby County Schools advances following debate by two Memphis lawmakers
State Education

Legislation allowing state intervention into Memphis-Shelby County Schools advances following debate by two Memphis lawmakers

MAR 27, 2025 | Sky Arnold

Under the bill, the education commissioner would be able to recommend the removal of the director of schools and some or all school board members.

Memphis Shelby County School Board pushes back against proposed state intervention
State Education

Memphis Shelby County School Board pushes back against proposed state intervention

MAR 26, 2025 | Alison Nickas

During a school board meeting Tuesday night, the MSCS board voted unanimously to support a resolution opposing state intervention and calling on other elected o...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board puts division over superintendent aside to oppose state intervention
State Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board puts division over superintendent aside to oppose state intervention

MAR 19, 2025 | Sky Arnold

School board members unanimously supported a resolution Tuesday night opposing state intervention in the Tennessee school district and calling on elected offici...

State Representative Mark White narrows state intervention bill to only impact Memphis-Shelby County Schools
State Education

State Representative Mark White narrows state intervention bill to only impact Memphis-Shelby County Schools

MAR 18, 2025 | Sky Arnold

Representative White’s amended legislation would empower the commissioner of the Department of Education to recommend the governor, speaker of the house, and li...

House subcommittee advances plan to eliminate the Achievement School District and create a new model for struggling schools
State Education

House subcommittee advances plan to eliminate the Achievement School District and create a new model for struggling schools

MAR 18, 2025 | Alison Nickas

Legislation presented by Representative Debra Moody, R-Covington, Tuesday would sunset the state ASD, replacing it with a progressive, three-tiered intervention...

Proposed legislation could relegate the Memphis-Shelby County School Board and others to an “advisory capacity”
State Education

Proposed legislation could relegate the Memphis-Shelby County School Board and others to an “advisory capacity”

MAR 14, 2025 | Sky Arnold

The legislation, referred to as the Tennessee Public School Accountability Act, would allow the commissioner of the Department of Education to recommend the gov...

Organization formed to oppose state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools says district problems are better solved locally
State Government

Organization formed to oppose state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools says district problems are better solved locally

MAR 10, 2025 | Alison Nickas

Thursday the group held one of it’s first community discussions involving panelists who acknowledged the critical issues within the district but believe these p...

House Speaker says Tennessee may audit Memphis-Shelby County Schools for fraud in addition other state intervention
State Education

House Speaker says Tennessee may audit Memphis-Shelby County Schools for fraud in addition other state intervention

MAR 7, 2025 | Sky Arnold

Speaker Cameron Sexton said leaders in the House and Senate are still working out the details of legislation to create state intervention into Memphis-Shelby Co...

Tutoring organization responds to allegations from former Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins
Local Education

Tutoring organization responds to allegations from former Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins

FEB 6, 2025 | Sky Arnold

The co-char of the Peer Power Foundation pushed back on allegations former Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins made about his organiz...

Lawsuit alleges secret school board meetings led to Superintendent Feagins’ ouster
Local Education

Lawsuit alleges secret school board meetings led to Superintendent Feagins’ ouster

FEB 4, 2025 | Sky Arnold

Attorneys for former Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins have filed a Circuit Court complaint against the district’s school board, as...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board renews public charter school despite enrollment of just 14 students
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board renews public charter school despite enrollment of just 14 students

JAN 30, 2025 | Sky Arnold

Members of the Memphis-Shelby County School Board voted 6 to 2 Tuesday night to renew the ten-year charter for a school with just over a dozen students.Only 14 ...

Tennessee Public Charter School Commission renews agreements with LEAD Neely’s Bend, Libertas, and Cornerstone Prep Denver
News

Tennessee Public Charter School Commission renews agreements with LEAD Neely’s Bend, Libertas, and Cornerstone Prep Denver

JAN 24, 2025 | Brandon Paykamian

The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission voted Friday to renew the ten-year charter agreements for LEAD Neely’s Bend, Libertas School of Memphis, and Corn...

Representative Mark White says state intervention needed in Memphis-Shelby County Schools following Superintendent firing
Local Education

Representative Mark White says state intervention needed in Memphis-Shelby County Schools following Superintendent firing

JAN 23, 2025 | Sky Arnold

State Representative Mark White, R-Memphis, says he’s working on legislation to provide Tennessee with the ability to intervene in the Memphis-Shelby County Sch...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education votes to terminate Superintendent Feagins’ contract
News

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education votes to terminate Superintendent Feagins’ contract

JAN 22, 2025 | Brandon Paykamian

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Board of Education voted Tuesday to terminate the contract of Superintendent Marie Feagins over allegations of professi...

Metro Nashville and Memphis-Shelby County school districts open school options applications this month
News

Metro Nashville and Memphis-Shelby County school districts open school options applications this month

JAN 21, 2025 | Brandon Paykamian

Families in Memphis-Shelby County Schools and Metro Nashville Public Schools will soon be able to apply to a charter school or select a school outside their nei...

University of Memphis launches Memphis Research Ecosystem Leaders Program 
News

University of Memphis launches Memphis Research Ecosystem Leaders Program 

JAN 21, 2025 | Brandon Paykamian

The University of Memphis has launched a new year-long initiative to connect research leaders at the university who have seen success in their individual labs t...

Memphis-Shelby County Superintendent issues defiant response to ouster attempt
News

Memphis-Shelby County Superintendent issues defiant response to ouster attempt

JAN 15, 2025 | Brandon Paykamian

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins issued another defiant response to allegations of professional misconduct and recent efforts to fire ...

Shelby County Commissioners pass ‘no-confidence’ resolution against Memphis-Shelby County School Board amid efforts to fire Superintendent Feagins
News

Shelby County Commissioners pass ‘no-confidence’ resolution against Memphis-Shelby County School Board amid efforts to fire Superintendent Feagins

JAN 14, 2025 | Brandon Paykamian

Shelby County Commissioners voted Monday in favor of a no-confidence resolution against the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education over school board m...

Shelby County Commissioners delay vote on ‘no confidence’ resolution against Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education
News

Shelby County Commissioners delay vote on ‘no confidence’ resolution against Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education

JAN 8, 2025 | Brandon Paykamian

The Shelby County Commission postponed a vote on a resolution Wednesday that would’ve expressed "no confidence" in the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Ed...

Memphis-Shelby County Superintendent Feagins says she ‘will not resign’
News

Memphis-Shelby County Superintendent Feagins says she ‘will not resign’

JAN 7, 2025 | Brandon Paykamian

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Marie Feagins said in a Monday statement that she “will not resign” amid recent efforts to oust her over all...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Feagins set to respond to allegations of misconduct
News

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Feagins set to respond to allegations of misconduct

JAN 6, 2025 | Brandon Paykamian

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins is expected to respond this evening to allegations of misconduct as the school board gets set to deci...

University of Memphis researchers use $2.6M Department of Education grant to train more local ESL teachers
News

University of Memphis researchers use $2.6M Department of Education grant to train more local ESL teachers

JAN 3, 2025 | Brandon Paykamian

Two University of Memphis researchers recently received a $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Professional Development program to address...

Libertas School of Memphis ‘on track’ for 10-year renewal
News

Libertas School of Memphis ‘on track’ for 10-year renewal

DEC 27, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Since opening its doors nearly a decade ago, Libertas School of Memphis has gained support from local community members in the Frayser area for showing a “stron...

Memphis-Shelby County school board approves contract extensions for custodial services
News

Memphis-Shelby County school board approves contract extensions for custodial services

DEC 24, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education approved contract extensions for custodial services within the district at Thursday’s special called meetin...

Educators and community members rally behind Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Feagins amid efforts to terminate her contract
News

Educators and community members rally behind Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Feagins amid efforts to terminate her contract

DEC 20, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The parent advocacy organization Memphis Lift held a press conference Thursday to voice their support for Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Ma...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools and Tennessee’s public charter schools celebrate improved School Letter Grades
News

Memphis-Shelby County Schools and Tennessee’s public charter schools celebrate improved School Letter Grades

DEC 19, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

New data from the Tennessee Department of Education’s 2023-24 State Report Card shows that 290 schools have received an A for overall performance, on the second...

Memphis-Shelby County school board delays vote to terminate Superintendent Feagins’ contract
News

Memphis-Shelby County school board delays vote to terminate Superintendent Feagins’ contract

DEC 18, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education voted 5-4 on Tuesday to postpone a vote on whether to terminate Superintendent Marie Feagins’ contract.

Memphis Shelby County Schools leaders consider terminating Superintendent Feagins’ contract
News

Memphis Shelby County Schools leaders consider terminating Superintendent Feagins’ contract

DEC 17, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) could be without a leader once again after tonight’s special called Board of Education meeting.  

Charter School Commission approves new location for Empower Memphis and an additional opening grade for Invictus Nashville Charter School
News

Charter School Commission approves new location for Empower Memphis and an additional opening grade for Invictus Nashville Charter School

DEC 9, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission has approved changes to a charter agreement with Empower Memphis Career and College Prep Charter Schools that wou...

Tennessee could see as many as 17 new public charter schools next year
State Education

Tennessee could see as many as 17 new public charter schools next year

DEC 9, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Five Tennessee school districts across the state received letters of intent for 17 proposed new public charter schools by last week’s deadline. Letters of inten...

Tennessee recognizes 377 Reward Schools. Schools of choice led the way in the state’s two largest school districts
State Education

Tennessee recognizes 377 Reward Schools. Schools of choice led the way in the state’s two largest school districts

NOV 22, 2024 | Sky Arnold

The Tennessee Department of Education announced the 377 schools across the state that have received the designation as Reward Schools for the 2023/2024 school y...

Memphis-Shelby County school board expresses frustration with city leaders’ opposition to East Region High School proposals
News

Memphis-Shelby County school board expresses frustration with city leaders’ opposition to East Region High School proposals

NOV 21, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education members expressed frustration with Memphis city leaders’ recent decision to block a special use permit to const...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent to be evaluated on reducing absenteeism and the number of students off-track
News

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent to be evaluated on reducing absenteeism and the number of students off-track

NOV 1, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

After several tense discussions and debate in recent weeks about how to evaluate Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins’ tenure, the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Boa...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Feagins braces for upcoming evaluation
News

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Feagins braces for upcoming evaluation

OCT 23, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The mood was tense during Tuesday’s Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education meeting following weeks of debate about how the district should approach evaluating...

State Charter Commission reverses Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ decision to take over Wooddale Middle School
News

State Charter Commission reverses Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ decision to take over Wooddale Middle School

OCT 18, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The charter school operator IOTA Community Schools will continue to run Wooddale Middle School after the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission (TPCSC) vote...

Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education disagrees with Superintendent Feagins about how she should be evaluated
News

Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education disagrees with Superintendent Feagins about how she should be evaluated

OCT 16, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The West Tennessee school district resumed discussions about how to evaluate Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins’ tenure at Tuesday’s board meeting, with much of t...

Wooddale Middle School leaders highlight hands-on programming at charter appeal hearing
News

Wooddale Middle School leaders highlight hands-on programming at charter appeal hearing

OCT 9, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Wooddale Middle School leaders are taking their appeal to state leaders after Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education members recently voted to deny Wo...

Memphis School of Excellence leaders make the case to replicate the public charter school’s STEM school model in Nashville
News

Memphis School of Excellence leaders make the case to replicate the public charter school’s STEM school model in Nashville

SEP 30, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Despite much opposition from Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) leaders, the charter school sponsor Read Foundation is still pushing for the establishment of...

Former Memphis-Shelby County Schools employee says he was fired in retaliation for criticizing district personnel changes
News

Former Memphis-Shelby County Schools employee says he was fired in retaliation for criticizing district personnel changes

SEP 25, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Former MSCS HR staff member Jarvis Cook told district leaders at Tuesday’s school board meeting that he believes he was terminated after speaking out against di...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent says several arrests made over school threats, including Nashville teen
News

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent says several arrests made over school threats, including Nashville teen

SEP 20, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins addressed families’ concerns relating to school safety and communications on Thursday, after thre...

Law enforcement continues investigating threats against Memphis-Shelby County Schools after Wednesday lockdown
News

Law enforcement continues investigating threats against Memphis-Shelby County Schools after Wednesday lockdown

SEP 19, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Several schools in Memphis and Shelby County were placed on lockdown Wednesday due to threats of mass violence, according to Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS...

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

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

SEP 18, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education is poised to approve a dual enrollment agreement for the 2024-25 school year with the Tennessee College of ...

Four reading champs win $1,000 scholarship in Tristar Reads contest
State Education

Four reading champs win $1,000 scholarship in Tristar Reads contest

SEP 12, 2024 | Vanessa Helgeland

Harpeth Middle School seventh-grader Elijah Riggs won the Tristar Reads contest by logging an average of eight hours each day reading.

University of Memphis to construct new facility for testing drones in adverse weather
College and Higher Edu...

University of Memphis to construct new facility for testing drones in adverse weather

SEP 3, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The University of Memphis is building a $9.2 million facility to test drones in adverse weather conditions, sponsored by the U.S. Navy. Led by professor Eddie J...

U.S. Dept. of Education report finds Memphis-Shelby County Schools mishandled sexual assault cases
Local Education

U.S. Dept. of Education report finds Memphis-Shelby County Schools mishandled sexual assault cases

SEP 3, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

A new report from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights notes that Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) officials have mishandled several s...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent says enrollment is up but still below district projections
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent says enrollment is up but still below district projections

AUG 29, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Enrollment in Memphis-Shelby County Schools has continued to grow year over year despite remaining behind original projections for this school year, according t...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools superintendent gives update on SRO issues
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools superintendent gives update on SRO issues

AUG 28, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins said during a Tuesday press conference that the district is currently working with school resource of...

Memphis-Shelby County school board approves pay raises for school resource officers, STEM lab funding
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County school board approves pay raises for school resource officers, STEM lab funding

AUG 21, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education approved budget amendments to fund pay raises for school resource officers (SROs) at Tuesday’s special call meeting...

Whitehaven STEM lab project remains behind schedule due to funding woes
Local Education

Whitehaven STEM lab project remains behind schedule due to funding woes

AUG 8, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Shelby County Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. called on local officials to work together and figure out how to cover the remaining costs needed to construct a new ...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent says district is addressing HVAC issues that led to early student dismissals
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent says district is addressing HVAC issues that led to early student dismissals

AUG 7, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Memphis Shelby County School Board officials held a press conference on Tuesday to address community members’ concerns about district infrastructure after stude...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools approves two new public charter schools
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools approves two new public charter schools

JUL 31, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Members of the Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education voted to approve amended charter applications for both the Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory STEAM School fo...

Memphis Grizzlies boys' prep school looks to replicate success with new girls' public charter school
Local Education

Memphis Grizzlies boys' prep school looks to replicate success with new girls' public charter school

JUL 29, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

For nearly 15 years, the Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory Charter School has leveraged community partnerships with the Memphis Grizzlies NBA team to provide boys w...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools recommends approval for an all-girls public charter school
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools recommends approval for an all-girls public charter school

JUL 24, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools charter review team recommended school board members approve an application for the Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory STEAM School...

Memphis-Shelby County school board member drops out of race for re-election
Elections

Memphis-Shelby County school board member drops out of race for re-election

JUL 19, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Memphis-Shelby County School Board member Frank Johnson announced on Facebook that he’s officially dropping out of the District 7 school board race, citing heal...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools invests millions into key staffing roles
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools invests millions into key staffing roles

JUL 17, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) announced a $3.4 million investment into elevating critical district positions Tuesday.

University of Memphis childhood programs receive state grants for early intervention services
College and Higher Edu...

University of Memphis childhood programs receive state grants for early intervention services

JUL 12, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Two early intervention resource agencies for young children with developmental delays and disabilities at University of Memphis received three new grants from t...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools appoints new assistant superintendent
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools appoints new assistant superintendent

JUL 2, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins has appointed Janice Tankson as the district’s new superintendent to oversee key educational programs...

University of Memphis announces $1M investment in AI-related programming
College and Higher Edu...

University of Memphis announces $1M investment in AI-related programming

JUN 27, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The University of Memphis is investing $1 million in academic and research programming relating to artificial intelligence to better prepare tomorrow’s AI workf...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools approves job cuts and $1.8 billion budget
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools approves job cuts and $1.8 billion budget

JUN 26, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education voted 8-1 Tuesday night to approve Superintendent Marie Feagins’ plans to cut over 1,000 district positions...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board candidates discuss literacy, project funding and need to build public trust
Elections

Memphis-Shelby County School Board candidates discuss literacy, project funding and need to build public trust

JUN 25, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Voters in the Memphis-Shelby County school district got a chance to hear from several school board candidates about their thoughts on student literacy, capital ...

Memphis school board forum: Boosting literacy, ending teacher shortages top candidates’ priorities
Elections

Memphis school board forum: Boosting literacy, ending teacher shortages top candidates’ priorities

JUN 19, 2024 | Guest writer for the Tennessee Firefly

Improving literacy rates, preparing students to compete globally, and combating teacher shortages are among the top challenges facing Memphis-Shelby County scho...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools personnel plan paused by school board
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools personnel plan paused by school board

JUN 12, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education passed a resolution during a special meeting Tuesday asking Superintendent Marie Feagins to halt further la...

Elon Musk's xAI to build world's largest supercomputer in Memphis
Local Education

Elon Musk's xAI to build world's largest supercomputer in Memphis

JUN 5, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Elon Musk’s AI company xAI is planning to build the world’s largest supercomputer in Memphis, Tennessee, marking the city’s largest capital investment by a new-...

Dr. Gwin-Miller designed her proposed public charter school to help Memphis students like she was, escape the cycle of poverty
Local Education

Dr. Gwin-Miller designed her proposed public charter school to help Memphis students like she was, escape the cycle of poverty

JUN 4, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Dr. Alexis Gwin-Miller grew up in Memphis facing the same challenges that she hopes to help children overcome with the Blueprint College and Career Prep public ...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools officials promise staff won't lose their jobs under district reorganization plan
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools officials promise staff won't lose their jobs under district reorganization plan

MAY 29, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

Memphis Shelby County School Board members and Superintendent Marie Feagins addressed concerns about the school system’s plans to reorganize district personnel ...

Memphis school and law enforcement officials oppose allowing teachers to carry guns
Local Education

Memphis school and law enforcement officials oppose allowing teachers to carry guns

MAY 22, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

In a joint video message, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Marie Feagins, Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr., and Interim Memphis Police...

Student transition team presents recommendations to Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Local Education

Student transition team presents recommendations to Memphis-Shelby County Schools

MAY 16, 2024 | Reana Gibson

New Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins has looked to a variety of voices for assistance as she charts a path for the state’s largest...

A young Memphis student’s letter on gun violence is featured in new Ruby Bridges book
News

A young Memphis student’s letter on gun violence is featured in new Ruby Bridges book

MAY 8, 2024 | Guest writer for the Tennessee Firefly

If it wasn’t for Ruby Bridges, Ben Williams’ circle of friends would be smaller — and whiter. That’s why, when the 11-year-old Grahamwood Elementary School stud...

Memphis Grizzlies “raising the rim” at two Memphis schools
Local Education

Memphis Grizzlies “raising the rim” at two Memphis schools

MAY 8, 2024 | Reana Gibson

The Memphis Grizzlies National Basketball Association (NBA) team is providing a donation to provide students at Fox Meadows Elementary and John P. Freeman Optio...

Student Profile: A high school internship put Choice Champions Scholarship winner on the path to advocate for others
Communities

Student Profile: A high school internship put Choice Champions Scholarship winner on the path to advocate for others

MAY 7, 2024 | Reana Gibson

Soulsville Charter School senior Elisha Muhammad says a high school internship set her on a new path to advocate for those trying to overcome systemic barriers.

Memphis-Shelby County School Board denies request from Wooddale Middle School to transition into the district
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board denies request from Wooddale Middle School to transition into the district

MAY 6, 2024 | Reana Gibson

Ben Frazier says traditional public schools have failed his autistic son.Frazier told members of the Memphis Shelby County School Board last week that his famil...

MSCS’ $200 million funding request reflects soaring cost of new high schools
Local Education

MSCS’ $200 million funding request reflects soaring cost of new high schools

MAY 2, 2024 | Guest writer for the Tennessee Firefly

Memphis-Shelby County Schools is asking the county for more than $200 million in funding for school buildings, both to address maintenance needs at existing sch...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board rejects three proposed new public charter schools but leaves the door open for one of them
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board rejects three proposed new public charter schools but leaves the door open for one of them

MAY 2, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Brittany Jones told members of the Memphis-Shelby County School Board her 13-year-old son has seen real change at the Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory Charter Scho...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools to make major investment in teacher salaries
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools to make major investment in teacher salaries

MAY 1, 2024 | Reana Gibson

The Memphis-Shelby County School Board unanimously approved an agreement Tuesday night to spend $28 million increasing teacher salaries.The historic investment ...

New Memphis public charter school pushing back opening until 2025
Local Education

New Memphis public charter school pushing back opening until 2025

MAY 1, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Empower Memphis Career and College Prep will begin serving Orange Mound and South Memphis students a year later than planned.Chief Executive Officer Muna Olaniy...

New Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins receiving advice from a wide variety of sources
Local Education

New Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins receiving advice from a wide variety of sources

APR 29, 2024 | Reana Gibson

New Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins is planning to listen to a diverse set of voices as she charts the path forward for th...

Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools recommends denial for three proposed public charter schools

APR 25, 2024 | Reana Gibson

Three proposed new public charter schools in Memphis may have a challenging road finding approval from school board members next week.Tuesday night the Memphis-...

Local Education

Independent review finds proposed Memphis Grizzlies affiliated public charter school a slam dunk

APR 22, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

For more than a decade the Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory Charter School has provided middle-school aged boys with a science, technology, engineering, arts, and ...

Independent review recommends approval for proposed public charter school looking to close the gap for economically disadvantaged Memphis students
Local Education

Independent review recommends approval for proposed public charter school looking to close the gap for economically disadvantaged Memphis students

APR 18, 2024 | Brandon Paykamian

As the job market in the greater Memphis area continues to expand, more schools that focus on career and technical education (CTE) and college prep will be in d...

Memphis’ Humes school, Elvis Presley’s alma mater, is closing after yearslong turnaround attempt
Local Education

Memphis’ Humes school, Elvis Presley’s alma mater, is closing after yearslong turnaround attempt

APR 16, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Humes Middle School in North Memphis will close at the end of this school year as it returns to the Memphis Shelby-County district’s control after a decade in T...

Here’s who will guide Marie Feagins as she takes on new superintendent role in Memphis
Local Education

Here’s who will guide Marie Feagins as she takes on new superintendent role in Memphis

APR 11, 2024 | Sky Arnold

New Memphis schools leader Marie Feagins plans to rely on a group of former and current superintendents for support during her transition to the role by working...

Restored Craigmont High School planetarium enriches solar eclipse for Memphis students
Local Education

Restored Craigmont High School planetarium enriches solar eclipse for Memphis students

APR 9, 2024 | Sky Arnold

At 12:39 p.m., as the moon took its first bite of the sun, a group of Craigmont High School students looked up at the dome of the school’s planetarium to watch ...

Senate passes plan to enable the University of Memphis to form its own public school district
State Education

Senate passes plan to enable the University of Memphis to form its own public school district

APR 4, 2024 | Sky Arnold

When Lawrence Blackwell moved his family to Tennessee in 2010 to work for the University of Memphis, he chose to send his son to a unique Pre-K program operated...

Lawmakers from Nashville and Knoxville vote against effort to expand high performing schools in Memphis
Local Education

Lawmakers from Nashville and Knoxville vote against effort to expand high performing schools in Memphis

APR 2, 2024 | Sky Arnold

By every measurement, the three public schools the University of Memphis operates on its campus are producing academic results.The university has been operating...

Toni Williams celebrates her accomplishments leading Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Local Education

Toni Williams celebrates her accomplishments leading Memphis-Shelby County Schools

MAR 27, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Toni Williams spent part of her last school board meeting as the leader of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) looking back at everything she’s accomplished si...

New Memphis superintendent’s contract includes ethics clause, reflecting lessons of Ray’s exit
Local Education

New Memphis superintendent’s contract includes ethics clause, reflecting lessons of Ray’s exit

MAR 27, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members say the contract being finalized for incoming Superintendent Marie Feagins reflects the lessons learned after former...

School districts received nine applications for new public charter schools. A new tool puts each under the microscope.
Local Government

School districts received nine applications for new public charter schools. A new tool puts each under the microscope.

MAR 25, 2024 | Sky Arnold

This year nine potential charter operators met the February 1 deadline to file an application to open a new public charter school.School board members in Memphi...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools poised to spend $12 million ramping up school safety
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools poised to spend $12 million ramping up school safety

MAR 22, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Members of the Memphis-Shelby County School Board are expected to approve a plan later this month to spend more than $12 million upgrading school security.Durin...

New legislation would allow the University of Memphis to form its own K-12 school district
Local Education

New legislation would allow the University of Memphis to form its own K-12 school district

MAR 21, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Each school day more than a thousand children and teenagers travel from across Shelby County to the University of Memphis for a reason you may not expect.Those ...

Memphis parent advocate Sarah Carpenter calls  President Biden’s proposed budget “an attack on black children”
National Education

Memphis parent advocate Sarah Carpenter calls President Biden’s proposed budget “an attack on black children”

MAR 12, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Memphis parent advocate Sarah Carpenter is among those blasting President Biden’s proposed FY 2025 budget for potentially cutting valuable support for public ch...

New Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent now slated to start April 1
Local Education

New Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent now slated to start April 1

MAR 6, 2024 | Sky Arnold

The timeline for Memphis-Shelby County School’s new superintendent to get to work is officially moving up.Members of the Memphis-Shelby County School board vote...

Incoming Memphis schools leader Marie Feagins begins work, set to assume superintendent role April 1
Local Education

Incoming Memphis schools leader Marie Feagins begins work, set to assume superintendent role April 1

MAR 1, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Incoming Superintendent Marie Feagins has started working with Memphis-Shelby County Schools under a per diem agreement, allowing her to begin a transition to t...

Audit finds Memphis-Shelby County Schools on solid financial ground
Local Education

Audit finds Memphis-Shelby County Schools on solid financial ground

FEB 28, 2024 | Sky Arnold

When Toni Williams took over as chief financial officer (CFO) for Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) in 2019, the district faced a $58 million deficit and had...

Five Memphis students battling sickle cell disease receive scholarship in honor of Interim Superintendent Williams’ mother
Local Education

Five Memphis students battling sickle cell disease receive scholarship in honor of Interim Superintendent Williams’ mother

FEB 21, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Interim Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Toni Williams says her mother Shirley Yvette Green was a strong woman and a warrior as she battled sickle c...

Operations leader to leave Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Local Education

Operations leader to leave Memphis-Shelby County Schools

FEB 14, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools may have gained a new superintendent this month but the district is losing its Chief of Business Operations.Julius Muse announced ...

Board picks Dr. Marie Feagins to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Local Education

Board picks Dr. Marie Feagins to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools

FEB 9, 2024 | Sky Arnold

The more than yearlong search for a new leader of the state’s largest school district is officially over. Members of the Memphis-Shelby County School Board unan...

Memphis-Shelby County School board will select a new superintendent Friday. Here's how the finalists will address literacy and mental health.
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School board will select a new superintendent Friday. Here's how the finalists will address literacy and mental health.

FEB 6, 2024 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) superintendent search is finally drawing to a close, with school board members now planning to select a new leader for ...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board votes to keep Vision Prep open
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board votes to keep Vision Prep open

FEB 1, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Natoria Carpenter says she chose to drive her daughter thirty miles each day to the opposite side of Memphis just to attend Vision Preparatory Charter School.Ca...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board approves charter school council
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board approves charter school council

FEB 1, 2024 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County School Board unanimously voted Tuesday to establish a special council to help guide decisions about public charter schools.The new Cha...

Memphis superintendent search nears close with final set of candidate interviews
Local Education

Memphis superintendent search nears close with final set of candidate interviews

FEB 1, 2024 | Sky Arnold

When the top three candidates for superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools make their final cases to community and board members later this week, they wi...

State charter commission unanimously approved renewed charter contract
Local Education

State charter commission unanimously approved renewed charter contract

JAN 29, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Earlier this month when schools across Memphis shut down for winter weather, Promise Academy Spring Hill Interim Executive Director Patrick Washington says he r...

A convenient webpage is helping move employers to Memphis.  Tennessee may try something similar this year.
State Education

A convenient webpage is helping move employers to Memphis. Tennessee may try something similar this year.

JAN 22, 2024 | Sky Arnold

In 2021 the Greater Memphis Chamber launched a new tool to help better inform businesses that are considering locating to the Memphis region.The Memphis Moves d...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools credits facilities staff for being this week’s MVPs
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools credits facilities staff for being this week’s MVPs

JAN 19, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County School (MSCS) leaders say proactive efforts to winterize schools and increase facility staff is paying dividends during this week’s cold w...

Inclement weather pushes back Memphis superintendent search
Local Education

Inclement weather pushes back Memphis superintendent search

JAN 16, 2024 | Sky Arnold

The snow that’s blanketed Tennessee this week is forcing Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) to push back the final phase of its superintendent search.The dist...

Memphis-Shelby County School leaders commit to taking a stand against violence
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School leaders commit to taking a stand against violence

JAN 12, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Interim Superintendent Tutonial “Toni” Williams gathered with district leaders Thursday morning to commit to putting forwar...

Superintendent Toni Williams says teacher retention could improve school letter grades in Memphis
Local Education

Superintendent Toni Williams says teacher retention could improve school letter grades in Memphis

JAN 3, 2024 | Sky Arnold

Interim Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Tutonial “Toni” Williams says improving teacher retention could play a positive role in elevating lo...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board names the three finalists in superintendent search
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board names the three finalists in superintendent search

DEC 20, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The lengthy search for a new leader of the state’s largest school district is down to three finalists.Tuesday night members of the Memphis-Shelby County School ...

The next Memphis-Shelby County Schools superintendent will need to solve a facility crisis. Here’s each candidate’s experience with similar challenges.
Local Education

The next Memphis-Shelby County Schools superintendent will need to solve a facility crisis. Here’s each candidate’s experience with similar challenges.

DEC 19, 2023 | Sky Arnold

One of the biggest challenges the next superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) will inherit is the aging infrastructure of the district’s schools...

Empower Memphis Career and College Prep opens in Memphis next year, bringing elementary career exploration to life
Local Education

Empower Memphis Career and College Prep opens in Memphis next year, bringing elementary career exploration to life

DEC 18, 2023 | Sky Arnold

ParagraphLife has been busy for Muna Olaniyi ever since the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission unanimously approved her dream of opening a career based ...

Five superintendent semi-finalists announced for Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Local Education

Five superintendent semi-finalists announced for Memphis-Shelby County Schools

DEC 15, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) announced the five finalists it’s picked to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools Friday morning.The firm picke...

Memphis faith-based leaders denounce Satanic club’s plans to hold events at an elementary school
Local Education

Memphis faith-based leaders denounce Satanic club’s plans to hold events at an elementary school

DEC 14, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Dozens of faith-based leaders gathered around Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Interim Superintendent Tutonial “Toni” Williams Wednesday to denounce a Satan...

Report finds Tennessee’s two largest school districts facing more competition for students
State Education

Report finds Tennessee’s two largest school districts facing more competition for students

DEC 13, 2023 | Sky Arnold

A new report by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute found both Memphis-Shelby County Schools and Metro Nashville Public Schools are facing more competition for stud...

Tennessee needs more students to finish higher education to meet job needs, report says
State Education

Tennessee needs more students to finish higher education to meet job needs, report says

DEC 13, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Tennessee’s education system must do more to help minority and economically disadvantaged students earn postsecondary degrees in order to meet the state’s workf...

Tennessee needs more students to finish higher education to meet job needs, report says
State Education

Tennessee needs more students to finish higher education to meet job needs, report says

DEC 13, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Tennessee’s education system must do more to help minority and economically disadvantaged students earn postsecondary degrees in order to meet the state’s workf...

Application process for federal financial aid undergoing big changes
News

Application process for federal financial aid undergoing big changes

DEC 12, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Southwest Tennessee Community College Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and K-12 Policy Rosie Britton says last year Tennessee families left more than $2 bil...

Memphis-Shelby County School leaders unveil plans to move forward without federal COVID funds
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School leaders unveil plans to move forward without federal COVID funds

DEC 11, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Interim Memphis-Shelby County School Superintendent Tutonial “Toni” Williams says her administration is evaluating multiple strategies to move the district forw...

Memphis public charter school approved for expansion in Frayser community
Local Education

Memphis public charter school approved for expansion in Frayser community

DEC 5, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Tennessee’s first Montessori public charter school is expanding its personalized learning approach to more students in the Frayser community of Memphis.Monday t...

Some social studies teachers wary as national conference meets in increasingly censored Tennessee
News

Some social studies teachers wary as national conference meets in increasingly censored Tennessee

DEC 1, 2023 | Sky Arnold

About 3,500 social studies teachers converge on Nashville this weekend for their annual national conference, but not without some pushback for meeting in a stat...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board approves expansion to its second oldest public charter school
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board approves expansion to its second oldest public charter school

NOV 30, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County School Board approved an expansion request Tuesday night for one the district’s oldest public charter schools.Under the expansion plan...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board approves expansion to its second oldest public charter school
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board approves expansion to its second oldest public charter school

NOV 30, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County School Board approved an expansion request Tuesday night for one the district’s oldest public charter schools.Under the expansion plan...

Memphis’ school district needs to cut $150 million in spending. Hundreds of jobs are on the line.
Local Education

Memphis’ school district needs to cut $150 million in spending. Hundreds of jobs are on the line.

NOV 27, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools leaders have proposed eliminating 675 jobs along with a mix of student programs as they figure out how to cut $150 million in spen...

Alumni celebrate the 20th anniversary of Tennessee's first public charter school
Local Education

Alumni celebrate the 20th anniversary of Tennessee's first public charter school

NOV 20, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Twenty years ago, Chelsea Bailey was a rising seventh-grader in Memphis who had no idea what a public charter school was.That changed when the founder of the Me...

Alumni celebrate the 20th anniversary of Tennessee's first public charter school
Local Education

Alumni celebrate the 20th anniversary of Tennessee's first public charter school

NOV 20, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Twenty years ago, Chelsea Bailey was a rising seventh-grader in Memphis who had no idea what a public charter school was.That changed when the founder of the Me...

Nashville, Shelby County withdraw challenge to Tennessee private school voucher law after long fight
State Government

Nashville, Shelby County withdraw challenge to Tennessee private school voucher law after long fight

NOV 18, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Nashville and Shelby County governments have pulled out of their more than 3-year-old legal dispute with the state over a 2019 private school voucher law.The pa...

Frayser shooting sparks calls for change at Memphis-Shelby County School Board meeting
Local Education

Frayser shooting sparks calls for change at Memphis-Shelby County School Board meeting

NOV 17, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County School Board member Stephanie Love took a moment during Tuesday evening’s meeting to address the recent shootings in the Frayser community...

Memphis families urge state charter commission to keep Promise Academy Spring Hill open
Local Education

Memphis families urge state charter commission to keep Promise Academy Spring Hill open

NOV 15, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Shirley Quinn says Promise Academy Spring Hill’s name played an important role in why she chose to enroll her granddaughter there.The Memphis fourth-grader stru...

Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board fails to approve key part of new custodial plan

NOV 13, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Search firm begins interviewing candidates to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Local Education

Search firm begins interviewing candidates to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools

NOV 9, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) announced Wednesday that its search firm has selected a pool of candidates to interview in the ongoing search for a new sup...

School leaders ask lawmakers to continue accepting federal education funding
State Education

School leaders ask lawmakers to continue accepting federal education funding

NOV 8, 2023 | Sky Arnold

MLK College Prep students will have 6 choices for next year while new school is built
Local Education

MLK College Prep students will have 6 choices for next year while new school is built

NOV 3, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Students at MLK College Preparatory High School in Frayser will get to choose from among six schools to attend beginning next school year, as Memphis-Shelby Cou...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools invests $3 million into free student field trips
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools invests $3 million into free student field trips

NOV 2, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools announced Wednesday that it’s launching a new field trip program to give students free learning opportunities outside the classroo...

Why this award-winning school superintendent donates his bonus back for his students every year
Local Education

Why this award-winning school superintendent donates his bonus back for his students every year

NOV 2, 2023 | Sky Arnold

If his school community had to choose between himself and its nine therapy dogs, David Snowden jokes that “the director of schools would have to go.”Now in his ...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Chair proposes creating three committees to help with superintendent search
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board Chair proposes creating three committees to help with superintendent search

OCT 26, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

The search for a new superintendent to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools appears to be reaching its home stretch.Tuesday night School Board Chair Althea Green ...

Interim Superintendent Toni Williams says closing Memphis schools isn’t the goal of facility reuse plan
Local Education

Interim Superintendent Toni Williams says closing Memphis schools isn’t the goal of facility reuse plan

OCT 19, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Interim Superintendent Tutonial “Toni” Williams told members of the Memphis-Shelby School Board that closing buildings is not the goal of the academic facilitie...

Author: Black teachers’ resistance to segregation 60 years ago holds lessons for teachers today
Local Education

Author: Black teachers’ resistance to segregation 60 years ago holds lessons for teachers today

OCT 16, 2023 | Sky Arnold

As a Birmingham, Alabama, native, Tondra Loder-Jackson was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. She was especially inspired by the ...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools considering designating 23 academic spaces for reuse to save money
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools considering designating 23 academic spaces for reuse to save money

OCT 16, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The new Facilities Steering Committee for Memphis-Shelby County Schools will be evaluating a potentially major change for district buildings to raise money for ...

Three Memphis students honored with Keeper of the Dream Award
News

Three Memphis students honored with Keeper of the Dream Award

OCT 12, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

State charter commission overturns one Memphis-Shelby County School Board decision and upholds another
Local Education

State charter commission overturns one Memphis-Shelby County School Board decision and upholds another

OCT 10, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission provided a mixed bag for supporters of two public charter schools vying to transfer into the Memphis-Shelby Count...

Mold repair forces Memphis’ Peabody Elementary to remain closed for the school year
Local Education

Mold repair forces Memphis’ Peabody Elementary to remain closed for the school year

OCT 10, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Students at Memphis’s Peabody Elementary School will continue to attend classes elsewhere for the remainder of the school year.Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MS...

Charter Commission approves new public charter school for Orange Mound and South Memphis
Local Education

Charter Commission approves new public charter school for Orange Mound and South Memphis

OCT 6, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission unanimously cleared the way Friday for Memphis educator Muna Olaniyi’s dream of disrupting the cycle of poverty i...

Paul Young will be Memphis’ next mayor. What will that mean for education?
Local Government

Paul Young will be Memphis’ next mayor. What will that mean for education?

OCT 6, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Downtown Memphis Commission leader Paul Young will be Memphis’ next mayor, a position that gives him no formal authority over Memphis-Shelby County Schools, but...

Charter Commission director sends mixed recommendations for public charter schools requesting a transfer into the Memphis-Shelby County School district
State Education

Charter Commission director sends mixed recommendations for public charter schools requesting a transfer into the Memphis-Shelby County School district

OCT 5, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Tennessee Public Charter School Commission Executive Director Tess Stovall is providing mixed recommendations for two public charter schools seeking to transfer...

Charter Commission director backs proposed public charter schools in Nashville, Memphis and Jackson
State Education

Charter Commission director backs proposed public charter schools in Nashville, Memphis and Jackson

OCT 3, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Four proposed public charter schools in Memphis, Nashville, and Jackson are all receiving new support from a key state board leader.Tennessee Public Charter Sch...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools moves back superintendent search interviews
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools moves back superintendent search interviews

SEP 28, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The ongoing search for a new leader of the state’s largest school district is once again seeing another key date moved back.At Tuesday night’s Memphis-Shelby Co...

Althea Greene remains Memphis-Shelby County Schools board chair for second year
Local Education

Althea Greene remains Memphis-Shelby County Schools board chair for second year

SEP 27, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Althea Greene will remain chair of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board for a second year as the district continues its search for a permanent superintendent...

School repair needs spark heated debate at Memphis-Shelby County School Board work session
Local Education

School repair needs spark heated debate at Memphis-Shelby County School Board work session

SEP 21, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

A discussion on the condition of school buildings turned heated at Monday’s Memphis-Shelby County School Board work session.Board member Stephanie Love and Inte...

Dozens of parents write in support of career focused public charter school
Local Education

Dozens of parents write in support of career focused public charter school

SEP 20, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Laquita Perry says she was born and raised in a South Memphis community where public schools struggled to provide a quality education.In an email to the Tenness...

Memphis Area College Night provides students with an introduction to more than 100 colleges and universities
Local Education

Memphis Area College Night provides students with an introduction to more than 100 colleges and universities

SEP 19, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

Memphis high school students Steven Brown, Paris Brown, and Natalina Gallardo each had their own goals in mind when attending the annual Memphis Area College Ni...

State Charter Commission receives heartfelt pleas from families asking for the return of a Memphis public charter school
Local Education

State Charter Commission receives heartfelt pleas from families asking for the return of a Memphis public charter school

SEP 19, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

Supporters of a proposed public charter school run by Pathways in Education (PIE) provided the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission with heartfelt testimo...

Porter-Leath recognized as a program of excellence
Local Education

Porter-Leath recognized as a program of excellence

SEP 19, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is recognizing Memphis organization Porter-Leath as one of 13 Programs of Excellence.This designation is a symbol of ...

State Charter Commission receives more than 200 emails of support for Fairley High School
Local Education

State Charter Commission receives more than 200 emails of support for Fairley High School

SEP 18, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

Fairley High School’s fight to remain a public charter school in Memphis is receiving a boost from the more than 200 people who submitted comments in support of...

Tailgate Talks score helpful information for Memphis superintendent search
Local Education

Tailgate Talks score helpful information for Memphis superintendent search

SEP 13, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

The ongoing Memphis-Shelby County Schools superintendent search is receiving helpful information from an unlikely source.At Tuesday’s Memphis-Shelby County Scho...

Misconceptions abound about who public charter schools serve.  A new Comptroller tool will help.
State Education

Misconceptions abound about who public charter schools serve. A new Comptroller tool will help.

SEP 13, 2023 | Sky Arnold

A new dashboard launched by the Tennessee Comptroller this week will help parents navigate through misinformation about public charter schools.  The dashboard a...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools host “tailgate talks” to get parental input on superintendent search
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools host “tailgate talks” to get parental input on superintendent search

SEP 12, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is hosting a series of “Tailgate Talks” before sporting events across Memphis to learn more about what parents are looking ...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools host “tailgate talks” to get parental input on superintendent search
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools host “tailgate talks” to get parental input on superintendent search

SEP 12, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is hosting a series of “Tailgate Talks” before sporting events across Memphis to learn more about what parents are looking ...

Supporters say proposed Memphis public charter school is needed to disrupt the cycle of poverty
Local Education

Supporters say proposed Memphis public charter school is needed to disrupt the cycle of poverty

SEP 1, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Alice Lockett is an example of the generational challenges many families in Memphis face.As a teenager she dropped out of school after becoming pregnant and had...

Supporters of Fairley High School make their case for it to remain a public charter school
Local Education

Supporters of Fairley High School make their case for it to remain a public charter school

AUG 31, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

Patricia Adams graduated from Fairley High School in 1989, when the school was still a traditional public school in Memphis.Since then, she’s witnessed the scho...

Former students make emotional plea for the return of a former Memphis public charter school
Local Education

Former students make emotional plea for the return of a former Memphis public charter school

AUG 30, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Zephan Alexander describes his time as a public-school student in Memphis as a challenge. He struggled in traditional public schools and public charter schools ...

Former students make emotional plea for the return of a former Memphis public charter school
Local Education

Former students make emotional plea for the return of a former Memphis public charter school

AUG 30, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

Zephan Alexander describes his time as a public-school student in Memphis as a challenge. He struggled in traditional public schools and public charter schools ...

New Cordova high school will have larger campus as board approves replacement land purchase
Local Education

New Cordova high school will have larger campus as board approves replacement land purchase

AUG 30, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board voted Tuesday to approve a $5 million deal to buy 45 acres of land for the new high school in Cordova, after the distric...

Memphis educators and parents want new School Letter Grades to be easy to understand
State Education

Memphis educators and parents want new School Letter Grades to be easy to understand

AUG 24, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

A crowd of roughly two dozen Shelby County parents and educators gathered Wednesday night to explain why they believe ease of understanding and transparency wil...

New MSCS board member Mauricio Calvo has one year to make an impact. Here’s how he plans to use it.
Local Education

New MSCS board member Mauricio Calvo has one year to make an impact. Here’s how he plans to use it.

AUG 15, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Mauricio Calvo, the newest member of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board, took his oath of office next to the children’s section of a public library, with t...

Activists banned from Memphis school property can’t return early, federal judge rules
Local Education

Activists banned from Memphis school property can’t return early, federal judge rules

AUG 8, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Two of the Memphis activists who were banned in May from entering Memphis-Shelby County Schools property lost a bid in court to have their bans lifted early.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools begins new school year without a permanent superintendent
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools begins new school year without a permanent superintendent

AUG 8, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) kicked off the 2023-24 school year Monday morning with teachers holding welcome back signs for students and bands on the st...

Freddie O’Connell and Alice Rolli advance to a runoff in the Nashville mayor’s race
Elections

Freddie O’Connell and Alice Rolli advance to a runoff in the Nashville mayor’s race

AUG 4, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Metro Council member Freddie O’Connell and former Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Assistant Commissioner Alice Rolli beat out a crowd...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools posts new superintendent job listing seeking “dynamic, visionary, and adaptable leader”
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools posts new superintendent job listing seeking “dynamic, visionary, and adaptable leader”

AUG 4, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) released new details this week for what the district’s school board will be looking for in the search for a new superintend...

How Memphis’ investment in teacher salary schedules will increase paychecks
Local Education

How Memphis’ investment in teacher salary schedules will increase paychecks

AUG 2, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools teachers will get salary raises and be able to move up the district’s salary schedule faster under an agreement with the two teach...

More for Memphis initiative aims to create radical change
Local Education

More for Memphis initiative aims to create radical change

JUL 28, 2023 | Sky Arnold

A middle school and improved financial education are among the improvement’s residents in Memphis’ Orange Mound community say are desperately needed to improve ...

Students in four Achievement School District schools left in limbo following Memphis-Shelby County School Board vote
Local Education

Students in four Achievement School District schools left in limbo following Memphis-Shelby County School Board vote

JUL 20, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

Members of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Board of Education voted to deny four out of five applications Tuesday night from public charter schools vyi...

Memphis-Shelby County Board denies proposed public charter school that meets state standards but leaves door open for one that doesn’t
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Board denies proposed public charter school that meets state standards but leaves door open for one that doesn’t

JUL 19, 2023 | Sky Arnold

A short-handed Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Board of Education chose an unexpected path in the public charter school approval process Tuesday night. Wit...

Mauricio Calvo appointed to fill vacant school board seat in Memphis
Local Education

Mauricio Calvo appointed to fill vacant school board seat in Memphis

JUL 18, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

Shelby County Commissioners chose non-profit leader Mauricio Calvo to fill a vacant spot on the Memphis-Shelby County School Board.District 5 has been without r...

Mauricio Calvo appointed to fill vacant school board seat in Memphis
Local Education

Mauricio Calvo appointed to fill vacant school board seat in Memphis

JUL 18, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Shelby County Commissioners chose non-profit leader Mauricio Calvo to fill a vacant spot on the Memphis-Shelby County School Board.District 5 has been without r...

Nine proposed public charter schools are up for vote this month. Will school boards follow the recommendations from independent reviewers who gave five applications high marks?
Local Education

Nine proposed public charter schools are up for vote this month. Will school boards follow the recommendations from independent reviewers who gave five applications high marks?

JUL 18, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The approval process for proposed new public charter schools is about to begin its second round for school districts across the state.Four school boards will be...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools recommends denial for five public charter schools applying to transition into the school district
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools recommends denial for five public charter schools applying to transition into the school district

JUL 12, 2023 | Brandon Paykamian

District recommends denial for every proposed public charter school in Memphis, including one that met state standards
Local Education

District recommends denial for every proposed public charter school in Memphis, including one that met state standards

JUL 11, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Four proposed public charter schools may face a tougher road to finding approval in Memphis.The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) charter review team is reco...

Interim superintendent no longer a finalist to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Local Education

Interim superintendent no longer a finalist to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools

JUN 28, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Interim superintendent Tutonial “Toni” Williams is no longer a contender to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) on a permanent basis.At Tuesday evening’s ...

Shelby County Commission give support to new schools and teacher raises
Local Education

Shelby County Commission give support to new schools and teacher raises

JUN 27, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Shelby County Commissioners voted in favor of building two new high schools and providing a substantial raise to teachers Monday night.Both are key educational ...

A Season of Scandal Leaves Memphis-Shelby Parents in the Dark on COVID Spending
Local Education

A Season of Scandal Leaves Memphis-Shelby Parents in the Dark on COVID Spending

JUN 27, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Tennessee’s largest district, received almost $776 million in federal relief funds to help students recover from the pandemic...

Founder of two proposed public charter schools inspired by his own struggles overcoming a learning disability
Local Education

Founder of two proposed public charter schools inspired by his own struggles overcoming a learning disability

JUN 26, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The path that Pathways in Education (PIE) takes its name from began decades ago with the challenges organization founder John Hall faced when he was in school.H...

Choice Champions Student Profile: Kalen Sy dreams of making a difference in Memphis
Local Education

Choice Champions Student Profile: Kalen Sy dreams of making a difference in Memphis

JUN 22, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Kalen Sy learned the value of education at an early age.His grandmother and mother repeatedly stressed the importance of education, and it charted a path forwar...

Former MSCS board member alleged ‘corruption.’ Here’s what an MSCS audit found.
Local Education

Former MSCS board member alleged ‘corruption.’ Here’s what an MSCS audit found.

JUN 21, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools paid a lawn care vendor more than its contract allowed, lost some lawn equipment to theft, and paid an employee for days they didn...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools approves teacher raises and safety improvements in new budget
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools approves teacher raises and safety improvements in new budget

JUN 20, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County School Board members voted in a major salary increase for teachers in the district’s 2023/2024 proposed budget.Under the spending plan, th...

Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education reassures parents the superintendent search is moving forward
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Board of Education reassures parents the superintendent search is moving forward

JUN 15, 2023 | Sky Arnold

School board members with Memphis-Shelby County Schools sent a letter to parents Wednesday to assure them that the turbulent search for a new school superintend...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board vice chair steps down from following heated discussion about superintendent search
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board vice chair steps down from following heated discussion about superintendent search

JUN 14, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is down one school board member and is no closer to finding a new superintendent following Tuesday evening’s special called...

Memphis activists challenge bans from school district property in federal lawsuit
Local Education

Memphis activists challenge bans from school district property in federal lawsuit

JUN 13, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Five people who were banned from Memphis-Shelby County Schools buildings and property have filed a federal lawsuit against the district, claiming officials viol...

Member of the “Tennessee Three” lends support to Memphis “School Board Five”
Local Education

Member of the “Tennessee Three” lends support to Memphis “School Board Five”

JUN 12, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Representative Justin J. Pearson (D-Memphis) joined four members of the so-called “School Board Five” in a protest Friday outside the Memphis-Shelby County Scho...

Retests whittle down number of MSCS 3rd graders facing retention over reading scores
Local Education

Retests whittle down number of MSCS 3rd graders facing retention over reading scores

JUN 8, 2023 | Sky Arnold

About 1 in 5 Memphis Shelby-County Schools third graders who took a state retest in reading last month succeeded in earning an easier path to fourth grade — som...

Memphis LIFT breaks ground on new resource facility
News

Memphis LIFT breaks ground on new resource facility

JUN 5, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Parent advocacy group Memphis Lift broke ground on a new facility last week designed to not only serve more parents but also provide them with more assistance.“...

For Memphis 3rd graders, threat of retention has hovered since kindergarten
State Education

For Memphis 3rd graders, threat of retention has hovered since kindergarten

JUN 5, 2023 | Sky Arnold

With only a few days left in third grade, LaQuencher Sanders’ 8-year-old daughter, Kamryn, just wanted to be done with school.She had been in the class of kinde...

More delays expected in the turbulent search for a new leader of Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Local Education

More delays expected in the turbulent search for a new leader of Memphis-Shelby County Schools

JUN 2, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Members of the Memphis-Shelby County School Board admit they don’t expect to be able to name a permanent superintendent by the start of the 2023/2024 school yea...

Ban of five public speakers on Memphis-Shelby County School property faces criticism
Local Education

Ban of five public speakers on Memphis-Shelby County School property faces criticism

MAY 31, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is facing pushback for banning five public commenters from all district property.The district made the decision to ban form...

Parents of Memphis third-graders should learn the results of the TCAP retest today
Local Education

Parents of Memphis third-graders should learn the results of the TCAP retest today

MAY 31, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Administrators with Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) say parents should learn today if their third-graders need to attend summer school and/or tutoring in t...

North Memphis students want to combine two high schools into one
News

North Memphis students want to combine two high schools into one

MAY 26, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Students from the North Memphis Frayser community came together Friday morning to advocate for funding to combine the area’s two high schools into one new schoo...

District level data shows challenges for third-grade students in rural counties and West Tennessee
State Education

District level data shows challenges for third-grade students in rural counties and West Tennessee

MAY 24, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The Tennessee Department of Education says four of five third-grade students in the Jackson-Madison County School System (JMCSS) failed to meet the testing thre...

Memphis 3rd graders improved in reading from 2nd grade, but thousands could still be held back
Local Education

Memphis 3rd graders improved in reading from 2nd grade, but thousands could still be held back

MAY 24, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Early state test results show Memphis third graders improved in reading this year, and more students in the cohort are mastering state reading goals.But about t...

Choice Champions Scholarship Student Profile: Grand prize winner has life changing plans to close the cultural literacy gap in medicine
News

Choice Champions Scholarship Student Profile: Grand prize winner has life changing plans to close the cultural literacy gap in medicine

MAY 23, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis district may drop ServiceMaster custodial contract as cleanliness concerns persist
Local Education

Memphis district may drop ServiceMaster custodial contract as cleanliness concerns persist

MAY 17, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools wants to clean up the way it cleans up its schools.Last year, the board approved a four-year, $34 million contract with ServiceMas...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board poised to widen superintendent search
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board poised to widen superintendent search

MAY 15, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County School Board pauses superintendent search
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board pauses superintendent search

MAY 10, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) superintendent search is officially on hold, much to the frustration of some residents in Memphis.MSCS school board mem...

Germantown teacher presented $25,000 cash prize for excellent work in education
National Education

Germantown teacher presented $25,000 cash prize for excellent work in education

MAY 3, 2023 | Sky Arnold

More than four months ago Dogwood Elementary 5th grade teacher Alexa Guynes cried tears of joy when her school surprised her with the news she’d won the prestig...

New legislation to raise teacher pay hasn’t quieted calls in Memphis for better compensation for all educators
Local Education

New legislation to raise teacher pay hasn’t quieted calls in Memphis for better compensation for all educators

MAY 3, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The recent passage of a teacher pay raise by the Tennessee General Assembly hasn’t quelled calls to improve the compensation for Memphis educators.Multiple teac...

Memphis school district’s superintendent search: Here’s the latest on the applicants
Local Education

Memphis school district’s superintendent search: Here’s the latest on the applicants

APR 28, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Fairley High at a Crossroads: Students and Alumni Rally to Keep Charter School Alive
Local Education

Fairley High at a Crossroads: Students and Alumni Rally to Keep Charter School Alive

APR 27, 2023 | Sky Arnold

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 am...

Memphis-Shelby County School Board denies five applications for new public charter schools with one vote
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County School Board denies five applications for new public charter schools with one vote

APR 26, 2023 | Sky Arnold

School board members with Memphis-Shelby County Schools denied all five applications for new public charter schools with one vote Tuesday.The board opted to fol...

Memphis charter review recommends denial for all new charter applicants including those rated highly by independent reviewers
Local Education

Memphis charter review recommends denial for all new charter applicants including those rated highly by independent reviewers

APR 25, 2023 | Sky Arnold

A review committee for Memphis-Shelby County Schools recommended a denial for all five new public charter school applications the district received this year, i...

MSCS superintendent search remains on hold until board members agree on an approach
Local Education

MSCS superintendent search remains on hold until board members agree on an approach

APR 25, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members decided Monday to keep their search for a new superintendent on pause while they try to reach consensus on what they...

One candidate emerges and two exit in search for a new Memphis-Shelby County School superintendent
Local Education

One candidate emerges and two exit in search for a new Memphis-Shelby County School superintendent

APR 19, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The search for a new superintendent to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools took another unexpected turn Tuesday.Former Boston Public Schools superintendent Brend...

Memphis superintendent search put on pause after reveal of the three finalists
Local Education

Memphis superintendent search put on pause after reveal of the three finalists

APR 17, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members postponed finalist interviews for the next superintendent until further notice Saturday following allegations of a l...

MSCS superintendent search firm isn’t enforcing board’s policy on minimum job requirements
Local Education

MSCS superintendent search firm isn’t enforcing board’s policy on minimum job requirements

APR 14, 2023 | Sky Arnold

A national superintendent search that officials promised would restore trust in the embattled Memphis-Shelby County Schools district could yield finalists who d...

Representatives Jones and Pearson reappointed to office following ouster
State Government

Representatives Jones and Pearson reappointed to office following ouster

APR 13, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The expulsions of two Democratic lawmakers last week may not last long after all.Wednesday afternoon members of the Shelby County Commission unanimously voted t...

Proposed budget for Memphis-Shelby County Schools includes increased teacher pay and new school security
Local Education

Proposed budget for Memphis-Shelby County Schools includes increased teacher pay and new school security

APR 12, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Hanley School in Tennessee’s turnaround district will return to MSCS control
Local Education

Hanley School in Tennessee’s turnaround district will return to MSCS control

APR 3, 2023 | Sky Arnold

For the first time, a charter school in Tennessee’s turnaround district will exit the state program and return to the Memphis district’s management, Memphis-She...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools announce a school closure and other changes for the upcoming school year
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools announce a school closure and other changes for the upcoming school year

MAR 30, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools announced four important updates,  including one school closure, for students and families in the coming 2023/2024 school year.

Memphis parents and activists demand more transparency and public input into superintendent finalist interviews
Local Education

Memphis parents and activists demand more transparency and public input into superintendent finalist interviews

MAR 29, 2023 | Sky Arnold

MSCS interim schools chief Toni Williams says she has applied for superintendent job
Local Education

MSCS interim schools chief Toni Williams says she has applied for superintendent job

MAR 22, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Interim Memphis schools leader Toni Williams has applied to be the district’s superintendent, a role she once said she was not interested in assuming on a perma...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools unveils plans to expand literacy and career development
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools unveils plans to expand literacy and career development

MAR 22, 2023 | Sky Arnold

MSCS board prepares to narrow superintendent search, without public input on finalists
Local Education

MSCS board prepares to narrow superintendent search, without public input on finalists

MAR 20, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools plans to whittle a growing list of applicants for its superintendent job to three finalists within the next month. For this final ...

MSCS board prepares to narrow superintendent search, without public input on finalists
Local Education

MSCS board prepares to narrow superintendent search, without public input on finalists

MAR 20, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools plans to whittle a growing list of applicants for its superintendent job to three finalists within the next month. For this final ...

National education model for educating at-risk students receives support for a return to Memphis
Local Education

National education model for educating at-risk students receives support for a return to Memphis

MAR 20, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Independent review finds the Tennessee Career Academy’s application to open a new public charter school needs work
News

Independent review finds the Tennessee Career Academy’s application to open a new public charter school needs work

MAR 16, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Good addition to the team? Why an independent review is recommending approval for a sister school affiliated with the Memphis Grizzlies
News

Good addition to the team? Why an independent review is recommending approval for a sister school affiliated with the Memphis Grizzlies

MAR 15, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis Lift helping bring literacy awareness to Memphis families
Local Education

Memphis Lift helping bring literacy awareness to Memphis families

MAR 14, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Parents’ movement the Memphis Lift is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Education to help raise awareness of the of the challenges students are facing...

Proposed “career focused” public charter school in Memphis receives high marks from independent reviewers
News

Proposed “career focused” public charter school in Memphis receives high marks from independent reviewers

MAR 13, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Independent review finds proposed “male-only” public charter school in Memphis lacks evidence its single gender model works
Local Education

Independent review finds proposed “male-only” public charter school in Memphis lacks evidence its single gender model works

MAR 13, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis based TGAND Outreach Ministries envisions its CHANGE Academy as a new type of public charter school that focuses on the needs of male students with a vo...

Contracts for Memphis Shelby County Schools security upgrades await board approva
Local Education

Contracts for Memphis Shelby County Schools security upgrades await board approva

MAR 10, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools would spend up to $6.3 million to bolster security in the district’s schools under a pair of contracts awaiting board approval.The...

Legislator Profile:  Senator Raumesh Akbari finds common ground to improve education
State Education

Legislator Profile: Senator Raumesh Akbari finds common ground to improve education

MAR 9, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Senator Raumesh Akbari admits it’s not easy getting legislation passed as a Democrat in the Republican supermajority in the Tennessee General Assembly, but she’...

Curious about the public charter school applying to open in your community? This new resource can help you learn more.
Local Education

Curious about the public charter school applying to open in your community? This new resource can help you learn more.

MAR 9, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Education organization Tennesseans for Student Success (TSS) announced a new resource Thursday to provide parents and local school districts with more informati...

Memphis School Board encouraged to let the public to submit questions to superintendent candidates
Local Education

Memphis School Board encouraged to let the public to submit questions to superintendent candidates

MAR 1, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis School Board encouraged to let the public to submit questions to superintendent candidates
Local Education

Memphis School Board encouraged to let the public to submit questions to superintendent candidates

MAR 1, 2023 | Sky Arnold

MSCS board backs land purchase for new Cordova high school under ‘three G’s’ settlement
Local Education

MSCS board backs land purchase for new Cordova high school under ‘three G’s’ settlement

MAR 1, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County School Board agreed to buy nearly 36 acres of land north of Shelby Farms for a new high school that will accommodate 1,800 students an...

Tennessee 3rd-grade retention law will intensify Memphis students’ pandemic woes, local critics say
Local Government

Tennessee 3rd-grade retention law will intensify Memphis students’ pandemic woes, local critics say

FEB 22, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Many Memphis youths are already struggling to overcome emotional and psychological trauma inflicted or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.But the specter of b...

What qualities should the next superintendent in Memphis have? One student and one teacher see race and gender differently
Local Education

What qualities should the next superintendent in Memphis have? One student and one teacher see race and gender differently

FEB 21, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Six months after former Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) superintendent Joris Ray resigned while facing claims of abusing his power, the district is narrowi...

Tennessee teachers tell lawmakers literacy struggles are a big concern with young children
State Education

Tennessee teachers tell lawmakers literacy struggles are a big concern with young children

FEB 14, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Day on the Hill provides an educational opportunity for Memphis teachers
Local Education

Day on the Hill provides an educational opportunity for Memphis teachers

FEB 13, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools board picks Illinois firm Hazard Young to lead superintendent search
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools board picks Illinois firm Hazard Young to lead superintendent search

FEB 8, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis students focus on hope and healing following the death of Tyre Nichols
Local Education

Memphis students focus on hope and healing following the death of Tyre Nichols

FEB 3, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis students focus on hope and healing following the death of Tyre Nichols
Local Education

Memphis students focus on hope and healing following the death of Tyre Nichols

FEB 3, 2023 | Sky Arnold

As Memphis school choice process begins, one Memphis mom says her children are better off because of it
News

As Memphis school choice process begins, one Memphis mom says her children are better off because of it

FEB 1, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools seeking input from parents on the upcoming budget
Local Government

Memphis-Shelby County Schools seeking input from parents on the upcoming budget

JAN 31, 2023 | Sky Arnold

As Tennessee’s largest district moves into the second half of the 2022-23 school year, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is seeking feedback from the communi...

School Turnaround Program is working for two Memphis schools
Local Education

School Turnaround Program is working for two Memphis schools

JAN 26, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis schools Hawkins Mill Elementary and Trezevant High have been on the state’s priority list since the list’s formation in the 2011-12 school year. This me...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools cancels Friday events and reschedules School Showcase
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools cancels Friday events and reschedules School Showcase

JAN 26, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools is cancelling events Friday evening and rescheduling Saturday’s School Choice Showcase as a safety precaution for expected protest...

Memphis community panel says superintendent search may be moving too quickly
Local Education

Memphis community panel says superintendent search may be moving too quickly

JAN 24, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Commitment to diversity and change among the qualities Memphis parents want in next superintendent
Local Education

Commitment to diversity and change among the qualities Memphis parents want in next superintendent

JAN 20, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County School Board members received a clearer picture of the priorities parents want the next superintendent to have Wednesday night and two of ...

Is the ideal candidate to lead Memphis Schools already on the job? Some say yes despite national search support
Local Education

Is the ideal candidate to lead Memphis Schools already on the job? Some say yes despite national search support

JAN 18, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The search for a new superintendent to lead Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is seeing disagreement over whether the ideal candidate is already on the job.A...

Community panel advising MSCS on superintendent search sets first public meeting
Local Education

Community panel advising MSCS on superintendent search sets first public meeting

JAN 17, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools board poised to select superintendent search firm this month
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools board poised to select superintendent search firm this month

JAN 10, 2023 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board is poised to choose a firm by the end of the month to lead its national search for a new superintendent.MSCS received ap...

Memphis schools hit hard by last month’s winter weather
Local Education

Memphis schools hit hard by last month’s winter weather

JAN 4, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Nashville, Shelby County to appeal court’s dismissal of Tennessee school voucher case
Local Education

Nashville, Shelby County to appeal court’s dismissal of Tennessee school voucher case

JAN 3, 2023 | Sky Arnold

Plaintiffs behind two lawsuits challenging Tennessee’s private school voucher law plan to appeal a judicial panel’s dismissal of their remaining legal claims.Me...

How MSCS is trying to get pre-K programs — and preschoolers — back on track after COVID
Local Education

How MSCS is trying to get pre-K programs — and preschoolers — back on track after COVID

DEC 22, 2022 | Sky Arnold

When schools closed abruptly in 2020, derailing education for students across Memphis and the country, Jairia Cathey, a teacher at Evans Elementary, scrambled t...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools asks parents to help with search for new superintendent
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools asks parents to help with search for new superintendent

DEC 21, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Tennessee’s largest school district is asking parents to play a larger role in the process of picking its next leader.The Memphis-Shelby County School Board is ...

MSCS and Millington school boards approve transfer of Lucy Elementary with 4-year transition
Local Education

MSCS and Millington school boards approve transfer of Lucy Elementary with 4-year transition

DEC 20, 2022 | Sky Arnold

MSCS and Germantown school boards back ‘three G’s’ settlement, ending 10-year dispute
Local Education

MSCS and Germantown school boards back ‘three G’s’ settlement, ending 10-year dispute

DEC 16, 2022 | Sky Arnold

The decade-old dispute between Memphis-Shelby County Schools and the Germantown Municipal School District ended Thursday as the two districts’ school boards sig...

Shelby County Commission approves pact to transfer ‘three G’ schools to Germantown
Local Education

Shelby County Commission approves pact to transfer ‘three G’ schools to Germantown

DEC 15, 2022 | Sky Arnold

The Shelby County Commission Wednesday moved closer to resolving a decade-old dispute over control of three schools in Germantown, approving a deal that would, ...

Germantown city leaders approve settlement to take over ‘three G’ schools from MSCS
Local Education

Germantown city leaders approve settlement to take over ‘three G’ schools from MSCS

DEC 13, 2022 | Sky Arnold

City leaders in Germantown unanimously backed an agreement Monday that would allow its municipal school district to take over two schools currently operated by ...

Public charter schools continue to find an easier path in Memphis than Nashville
Local Education

Public charter schools continue to find an easier path in Memphis than Nashville

DEC 12, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Last week’s Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education meeting provided yet another example of how differently the state’s two largest school districts ch...

Amid MSCS’ national superintendent search, some in Whitehaven push for a local candidate
Local Education

Amid MSCS’ national superintendent search, some in Whitehaven push for a local candidate

DEC 9, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Beverly Davis, president of the Whitehaven Empowerment Zone PTSO, believes the next superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools should possess one main asse...

Four Memphis charter schools are spared in MSCS board vote, despite academic deficiencies
Local Education

Four Memphis charter schools are spared in MSCS board vote, despite academic deficiencies

DEC 7, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Flu outbreak threatens more disruptions for Tennessee schools
Local Education

Flu outbreak threatens more disruptions for Tennessee schools

DEC 2, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Districts throughout Tennessee and the nation are working to help students recover from learning losses spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. But another respirator...

MSCS board speeds up superintendent search, unveils new website
Local Education

MSCS board speeds up superintendent search, unveils new website

DEC 2, 2022 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board on Thursday announced a sped-up timeline for its superintendent search and launched a website to give the public more vi...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools board approves expansion of two charter schools
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools board approves expansion of two charter schools

DEC 1, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Two charter schools that have been at odds with Memphis-Shelby County Schools administrators won approval from the school board for their requests to expand.In ...

Cleared of wrongdoing, two top MSCS officials opt to leave their posts
Local Education

Cleared of wrongdoing, two top MSCS officials opt to leave their posts

NOV 18, 2022 | Sky Arnold

John Barker, a Memphis-Shelby County Schools deputy superintendent who was on leave pending an investigation into a complaint against him, has retired from the ...

Surprise! West Tennessee teacher receives one of the highest honors in education
Local Education

Surprise! West Tennessee teacher receives one of the highest honors in education

NOV 17, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Alexa Guynes didn’t expect to win an award when she walked into her school gymnasium Thursday but that’s exactly happened.Surrounded by her 5th grade students a...

Student homelessness in Memphis-Shelby County Schools more than doubles
Local Education

Student homelessness in Memphis-Shelby County Schools more than doubles

NOV 15, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Homelessness among Memphis-Shelby County Schools students has hit its highest level in at least four years, more than doubling from the same time last year.New ...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools board to pick next superintendent in July under proposed timeline
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools board to pick next superintendent in July under proposed timeline

NOV 15, 2022 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board wouldn’t select the next leader of Tennessee’s largest school district until July — a month before the 2023-24 school ye...

Memphis school board chair aims to rebuild trust, focus on academics as superintendent search starts
Local Education

Memphis school board chair aims to rebuild trust, focus on academics as superintendent search starts

NOV 11, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Althea Greene understands the assignment.Memphis-Shelby County Schools is in a moment of major transitions. The school board is preparing to embark on its first...

Memphis LIFT launches parent task force to give input on next superintendent
Local Education

Memphis LIFT launches parent task force to give input on next superintendent

NOV 8, 2022 | Sky Arnold

As the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board prepares to launch its first national superintendent search in a decade, Charles Lampkin has several thoughts on the ...

MSCS board will launch national superintendent search this month
Local Education

MSCS board will launch national superintendent search this month

NOV 4, 2022 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County School Board will look nationwide for a replacement for its former scandal-plagued superintendent Joris Ray. The search will begin thi...

One Memphis teachers union takes the first step toward the bargaining table
Local Education

One Memphis teachers union takes the first step toward the bargaining table

OCT 25, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Nation’s Report Card finds Tennessee students mirroring nationwide decline
Local Government

Nation’s Report Card finds Tennessee students mirroring nationwide decline

OCT 24, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Despite promising scores in this year’s Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP), Tennessee students continue to show the same signs of learning loss a...

Memphis district records its lowest NAEP scores, showing COVID’s devastating impact
Local Education

Memphis district records its lowest NAEP scores, showing COVID’s devastating impact

OCT 24, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools showed some of the country’s sharpest declines in math and reading scores on the test known as the “nation’s report card.”Results ...

MSCS human resources chief is suspended after complaint
Local Education

MSCS human resources chief is suspended after complaint

OCT 21, 2022 | Sky Arnold

For the second time in six weeks, a Memphis-Shelby County Schools official has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into an employe...

Charter Commission ends appeal cycle by overturning Metro Nashville Public Schools again
Local Government

Charter Commission ends appeal cycle by overturning Metro Nashville Public Schools again

OCT 19, 2022 | Sky Arnold

The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission approved the Tennessee Nature Academy in a 5-3 vote, overturning MNPS's rejection. Several other charter school a...

MSCS board will add community activist and former educator Frank Johnson
Local Education

MSCS board will add community activist and former educator Frank Johnson

OCT 18, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Commentary: Compass Community Schools is a model Tennessee should follow
Commentary

Commentary: Compass Community Schools is a model Tennessee should follow

OCT 13, 2022 | Sky Arnold

This year’s Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) results were rightfully cheered for the gains Tennessee students made, but it’s important to keep ...

Germantown High students join fight to keep the ‘three G’s’ open
Local Education

Germantown High students join fight to keep the ‘three G’s’ open

OCT 6, 2022 | Sky Arnold

After three years at Germantown High School, Maya Logan has come to think of it as home — a place where she’s made friends who are more like family, that has he...

Three candidates seek open Memphis-Shelby County Schools board seat
Local Education

Three candidates seek open Memphis-Shelby County Schools board seat

OCT 5, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Three Memphians have thrown their hat in the ring to fill the District 7 seat on the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board vacated by Miska Clay Bibbs.Clay Bibbs ...

Memphis school board delays start of superintendent search
Local Education

Memphis school board delays start of superintendent search

OCT 4, 2022 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board has delayed the start of its search for a new superintendent to replace Joris Ray, so that its newest members can get up...

Proposed military charter school aims to be the solution to the school to jail pipeline
Local Education

Proposed military charter school aims to be the solution to the school to jail pipeline

SEP 26, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Supporters of the Tennessee Volunteer Military Academy believe their public charter school model is the solution to the school to jail pipeline too many student...

Report: Tennessee a hotspot for inflation-based price increases
News

Report: Tennessee a hotspot for inflation-based price increases

SEP 26, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Nashville ranked 14th in the country in the number of businesses that reported moderate or large price increases in a new poll from LendingTree. Tennessee, mean...

Supporters of proposed Memphis charter school tell state commission it fills a vital need for Binghampton families
Local Education

Supporters of proposed Memphis charter school tell state commission it fills a vital need for Binghampton families

SEP 23, 2022 | Sky Arnold

The Binghampton neighborhood in Memphis is a community with a diverse population that’s struggling with poverty.Nora Jendoubi says her organization Maslow Devel...

MSCS board Chair Michelle McKissack is mulling a 2023 mayoral run
Local Government

MSCS board Chair Michelle McKissack is mulling a 2023 mayoral run

SEP 19, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Michelle McKissack, the recently reelected chairwoman of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board, announced Monday she is mulling a run to become the city’s nex...

Tennessee’s list of lowest-performing schools is out. Is yours on it?
Local Education

Tennessee’s list of lowest-performing schools is out. Is yours on it?

SEP 13, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools more than doubled its number of schools on Tennessee’s list of bottom-performing schools, while schools from several rural distric...

New Memphis school board member Keith Williams is still head of a teachers union. Is that a conflict of interest?
Local Education

New Memphis school board member Keith Williams is still head of a teachers union. Is that a conflict of interest?

SEP 7, 2022 | Sky Arnold

The chair of the Memphis Shelby County Schools board wants newly elected member Keith Williams to relinquish his post as head of the district’s biggest teacher’...

State Commission sides with charter schools most of the time but isn’t a rubber stamp
Local Education

State Commission sides with charter schools most of the time but isn’t a rubber stamp

SEP 1, 2022 | Sky Arnold

This fall a little-known state board could play a huge role in expanding school choice options for parents across the state.The Tennessee Public Charter School ...

Memphis educator named Tennessee’s 2022-23 Teacher of the Year
State Education

Memphis educator named Tennessee’s 2022-23 Teacher of the Year

AUG 26, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Fresh from being named Tennessee’s Teacher of the Year for 2022-23, Memphis second-grade educator Melissa Collins credits her family and 21 years in the classro...

Joris Ray agrees to resign as Memphis-Shelby County Schools chief under deal with board
Local Education

Joris Ray agrees to resign as Memphis-Shelby County Schools chief under deal with board

AUG 23, 2022 | Sky Arnold

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Joris Ray, who was under investigation over claims that he abused his power and violated district policies, resigne...

KIPP Memphis leader discusses his vision for the city’s oldest charter network
Local Education

KIPP Memphis leader discusses his vision for the city’s oldest charter network

AUG 18, 2022 | Sky Arnold

As KIPP Memphis celebrates its 20th anniversary, CEO Antonio Burt thinks the charter network is on its way to “finding our sweet spot” in Memphis’ changing educ...

One charter school wins Memphis school board approval
Local Education

One charter school wins Memphis school board approval

JUL 26, 2022 | Sky Arnold

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board on Tuesday approved just one of four charter school applications for the 2023-24 school year.

MSCS reports over 200 teacher vacancies three weeks before school starts
Local Education

MSCS reports over 200 teacher vacancies three weeks before school starts

JUL 20, 2022 | Vanessa Helgeland

With less than three weeks to go before students return to classrooms, Memphis-Shelby County Schools has 220 unfilled teaching positions.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ TCAP scores return to near pre-pandemic levels, but gaps persist
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ TCAP scores return to near pre-pandemic levels, but gaps persist

JUL 6, 2022 | Vanessa Helgeland

Nearly 17% of Memphis students in grades 3-12 performed at or above grade-level expectations in math and English on state standardized tests in 2022 — a sign th...

Memphis-Shelby County Schools sells former Brookmeade Elementary to Libertas charter school
Local Education

Memphis-Shelby County Schools sells former Brookmeade Elementary to Libertas charter school

JUL 1, 2022 | Vanessa Helgeland

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board on Tuesday agreed to sell the former Brookmeade Elementary School building, located at 3777 Edenburg Drive, to the chart...

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