News Summary
The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) board is set to vote on whether to take over Hillcrest High School and Kirby Middle School, both currently under the Achievement School District. Due to new legislation dissolving the ASD, MSCS may regain control, impacting nearly 900 students and 70 staff members. If the takeover passes, a one-year transition will ensure educational continuity. If it fails, the ASD plans to approach the Tennessee Public School Charter Commission for further actions. This decision highlights significant governance and oversight concerns for the future of underserved schools in Memphis.
Memphis Schools May Take Over Hillcrest High and Kirby Middle
Exciting times are ahead for Memphis, Tennessee as the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) board gears up to make a crucial decision regarding the future of Hillcrest High School and Kirby Middle School. Both institutions are currently under the Achievement School District (ASD), which has faced its share of challenges in recent years.
What’s Happening?
Recently, a new legislation was passed that has turned the tide for these schools. This law dissolves the ASD, which was created with the intention to uplift struggling schools. Thanks to this new law, local districts, specifically MSCS, now have the chance to regain control over schools that have been under ASD management. Next week, the MSCS board is expected to vote on whether they will absorb Hillcrest High School and Kirby Middle School officially.
What if the Vote Passes?
If the vote swings in favor of the takeover, it won’t be an immediate shift; the ASD will have a one-year transition period to wrap up its operations. This means that for the next year, there will be a smooth transition to ensure that the nearly 900 students and over 70 staff members are not disrupted in their education. It’s important to note that whether the transition is to Iota Community Schools or back to MSCS, students’ education will stay on track without interruptions.
What’s Next if the Vote Fails?
If the board decides against the takeover, the ASD, led by executive director Jocquell Rodgers, has stated that they’ll take the issue to the Tennessee Public School Charter Commission. This highlights the stakes at play in this decision, emphasizing its importance for students, parents, and teachers alike.
Concerns Around Governance
What Powers Will the Oversight Board Hold?
The proposed oversight board would take the reins on budgeting matters, contract management, and even possess the power to replace district directors or board members if necessary. There’s even talk of a proposed audit that would allocate a whopping $6 million for the assessment of Memphis Shelby County Schools. If the performance of schools doesn’t meet certain thresholds, this board would step in to intervene.
The Bigger Picture
As the proposed reforms roll out, there’s a significant amount of focus on improving the performance of low-achieving schools at the heart of Memphis. The potential changes are positioned as a way to provide better educational opportunities, particularly for those who have been underserved in the past.
The conversations and decisions surrounding these schools are emblematic of larger conversations about education reform in our communities. As the date of the MSCS board’s vote approaches, students, staff, and parents alike will be waiting with bated breath for the outcome that will shape the future of Hillcrest High and Kirby Middle.
Stay tuned for updates as we follow this unfolding story that is sure to impact many in the Memphis community!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memphis University Men’s Tennis Team Prepares for CUSA Championships
Controversial Proposal for State Control of Schools in Memphis
Concern Grows in Memphis Over Proposed School Takeover
Shelby County Expands Universal Prekindergarten Services
Tennessee Lawmakers Halt Memphis-Shelby County Schools Takeover
Disappointment in Germantown: Parents Question $8 Million Investment at Houston High
Major Changes Proposed for Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Memphis Schools Board Member Faces Review Over Social Media Comments
Memphis Merit Academy Grows with Community Impact Award
Changes Ahead for Memphis Schools
Additional Resources
- Local Memphis
- Tennessee Lookout
- Commercial Appeal
- Fox 13 Memphis
- WREG
- Wikipedia: Education in Tennessee
- Google Search: Tennessee education reform
- Google Scholar: Tennessee education policy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Tennessee schools
