What is the best way to handle school closures?
The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board voted to approve the closure of five schools, in line with the recommendation of Superintendent Roderick Richmond. According to the Daily Memphian, three of the closures were not discussed during the meeting and were approved unanimously, while two received more pushback.
In this update, we discuss what makes for a successful school transition, what the research shows us about the impact of closures, and how families can best navigate the change.
Back in Nash
The Tennessee General Assembly opened its 2026 session this week during a time of growing economic anxiety. During this session, bills around cutting taxes including the grocery tax are top of mind for legislators to alleviate the financial burdens families face.
Some other issues we will see them address include childcare, school vouchers, state intervention in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, and immigration.
I watched a six-hour Shelby County Commission meeting so you wouldn't have to
In an (at times) explosive six-hour long Shelby County Commission meeting, Commissioners tackled several big ticket items.
Featured topics included funding for certain staff positions under District Attorney Steve Mulroy, removing a New Chicago brownfield site from consideration for the construction of a new jail, the state of the Shelby County Ethics Commission, and rescheduling future elections for Memphis-Shelby County School board members.
Big Week of MSCS News | Weekly Policy Update
Routine testing in Memphis-Shelby County schools uncovered lead levels above state standards in 24 district schools, mostly in kitchen sinks. Additionally, auditors from a national accounting firm arrived in Memphis last week for a state-funded audit of MSCS spanning back to 2021.
Also covered in this update: A new MSCS committee to discuss facility maintenance, news on former Superintendent Marie Feagins’ lawsuit, and the county commission’s resolution to move school board elections.
Refresher on Community Schools: Weekly Policy Update
A community school is a public school that acts as a hub for the neighborhood, offering both educational services and broader community resources. It integrates academic learning with supports for student and family well-being, like health care, social services, and expanded learning opportunities. What has this model looked like in practice in Shelby County over the last couple of years, and what measurable outcomes are we seeing?