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

Grizzlies Prep teacher in a classroom (Photo by Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory Charter School)

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 School.

She says her son is autistic and she enrolled him there two years ago hoping the all-boys public charter school would be a good fit. Jones says the change has been so positive she’s supporting the school’s plan to offer a similar school for girls.

“He has matured amazing mentally, emotionally, academically and all without the presence of his father simply because of all the things Grizzlies Prep has done and the opportunities they have presented to him,” said Jones.  “If Grizzlies Prep is granted the opportunity to open an all-girls school, I know it would offer a safe and supportive space for girls to be themselves and realize the power of their voices.”

Grizzlies Prep Executive Director Tim Ware (Photo by Grizzlies Prep)

The proposed Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory STEAM School for Girls would eventually serve 525 female students in grades sixth through eight if approved by the school board.  The school would offer an education model that focuses on closing the gap for the underrepresentation of women of color in STEAM-related careers.

Grizzlies Prep Executive Director Tim Ware told school board members the success of the all-boys school should provide confidence to approve a sister school for girls.

“One of the strongest indicators of future performance is past performance and Grizzlies Prep has been a strong partner to Memphis-Shelby County Schools for the last 13 years. We have been a perpetually high performing school with nearly 350 students and a 21-percent rate of students with special education. Last year we scored in the 75 percentile for growth across all tested subjects,” said Ware. “We take care of our teachers so that they take care of our students.”

The academic history and support from parents were not enough to earn approval Tuesday night. School board members voted 6 to 1 to follow the district’s charter review team’s recommendation to deny Memphis Grizzlie’s Prep’s application, but multiple members did leave the door open for approval later.

Mauricio Calvo (Photo by MSCS)

Under state law, denied charter applicants have the option of submitting an amended application and board member Mauricio Calvo indicated he could support the proposed school if leaders worked with the district to make a few changes in that amended application.  Calvo says his vote to deny the school this week was to give both sides a chance to make those changes.

“If we have a commitment from the administration that they will work in the next 30 days, and from the applicant, to set this application for success, then I’m in favor of rejecting it so they can amend it,” said Calvo.

Board member Amber Huett-Garcia was the lone vote in favor of the application. Like Calvo, she also encouraged the school to make some changes in the amended application.“I want the community to see some early signals that the board is with you even when we know some adjustments need to be made,” said Huett-Garcia.

Board members rejected the other two proposed new public charter schools without discussion.Leaders of both Blueprint College & Career Preparatory and Journey Northeast Academy will also have an opportunity to submit amended applications.