Frayser, TN, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Construction has officially started on the new Frayser High School, with bulldozers clearing the site as part of a project now projected to cost over $170 million. An additional $34 million in funding has been secured, raising the total county investment to $112 million. Despite funding challenges, local officials emphasize the importance of the new school for the community.
Frayser, TN โ Bulldozers have begun clearing the future site of the new Frayser High School as of April 1. This significant milestone comes amidst funding challenges for the Shelby County school district. Despite a one-year ban on issuing bonds, Shelby County officials reiterated that plans for building schools and a hospital would not be immediately disrupted.
Shelby County plans to seek bonds again in 2027 following the hiatus caused by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury’s rejection of the 2026 fiscal budget on October 1. This rejection prevents Shelby County from issuing debt or borrowing money, which complicates funding for infrastructure projects. However, bonds issued last spring are intended to finance projects included in the rejected budget.
A tentative agreement has been reached to allocate an additional $34 million for the new Frayser High School project, raising the total county investment to $112 million. This newly secured funding allows for an earlier construction start than initially planned, according to the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent.
The total costs for the Frayser High School project have nearly doubled and are now projected to exceed $170 million. This substantial increase in costs from the original funding allocation of approximately $80 million was a topic of discussion during a Shelby County Commission update in March, where officials examined potential funding sources including state and federal grants.
Funds for the new project will come from a reallocation of capital improvement project funds, as indicated by Shelby Countyโs strategic communications manager. The collaborative effort to secure additional funding involves key county officials including the Shelby County Commission Chairman, the Shelby County Mayor, and the MSCS Board Chairwoman.
Community advocates for the project, including Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell and MSCS School Board Commissioner Stephanie Love, stress the urgency of the new high school for the Frayser community. Students and local residents celebrated the groundbreaking of the new high school on April Fool’s Day, with various local dignitaries addressing attendees about its importance.
The construction of the new Frayser High School is expected to take about two years to complete. The measure to approve the additional funding will be discussed at the Shelby County commissioners’ meetings scheduled for December 11 and 16.
FAQs
What is the expected completion time for the new Frayser High School?
The construction of the new Frayser High School is expected to take about two years to complete.
How much additional funding has been allocated for the new school project?
A tentative agreement has been reached to allocate an additional $34 million for the new Frayser High School project, making the total county investment $112 million.
What is causing the funding challenges for Shelby County?
The Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury rejected the 2026 budget on October 1, which prevents Shelby County from issuing debt or borrowing money.
What was the initial funding allocation for the Frayser High School project?
The initial funding allocation for the Frayser High School project was around $80 million.
When will Shelby County seek new bonds after the ban?
Shelby County plans to seek bonds again in 2027 following the one-year ban on issuing bonds.
Key Features of the New Frayser High School Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Funding Allocation | $80 million |
| Current Projected Cost | Over $170 million |
| Additional Funding Secured | $34 million |
| Total County Investment | $112 million |
| Completion Time | Approximately 2 years |
| Next Bond Approval Meetings | December 11 and 16 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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MSCS Proposes Closure of Five Schools in Memphis
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Investigation Underway for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease at Sherwood Elementary
Smooth Start for Memphis Schools Amid Challenges
Closure of Historic Humes Middle School Sparks Community Backlash
New Committee Formed to Address School Infrastructure in Memphis
Gun Violence in Memphis: Recent Shooting Incidents Raise Concerns
Memphis Expands Educational Opportunities with New School Opening
Memphis Enjoys Cooler Weather, Promotes Outdoor Activities
Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: New Frayser High School More Funding
- Wikipedia: Franklin County, Tennessee
- Fox13 Memphis: MSCS Breaks Ground on New Frayser High School
- Google Search: Frayser High School Memphis
- Local Memphis: Sleeves Up Shelby County Wellness Health Fair Frayser
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee
- Daily Memphian: Tennessee Comptroller Bond Ban Shelby County Schools
- Google News: Frayser High School funding
- WREG: Mayor Tours Trezevant, Highlights Need for New School in Frayser
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