MSCS Proposes Closure of Five Schools in Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee, September 30, 2025

News Summary

Memphis-Shelby County Schools leaders have announced plans to close five schools by the end of the academic year, citing declining enrollment and maintenance costs. The closures, which include Ida B. Wells Academy and Lucy Elementary, may affect over 1,200 students. A formal presentation to the school board is scheduled, accompanied by public hearings to gather community feedback, highlighting the district’s commitment to transparency during this challenging time.

Memphis, Tennessee – Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) leaders have announced plans to close five schools by the conclusion of the academic year, a decision driven by declining enrollment and escalating maintenance costs. The recommendation was disclosed by Interim MSCS Superintendent Roderick Richmond during a work session held on September 29, 2025.

The schools recommended for closure include Ida B. Wells Academy and Lucy Elementary, with Lucy Elementary set to be transferred to Millington Schools. The other three schools are proposed for closure and consolidation, potentially impacting over 1,200 students across the district.

MSCS intends to present formal recommendations to the school board by February 2026. The district will undertake detailed assessments, commissioning impact reports for each of the schools under consideration and making them available online for public review. This approach aims for transparency, with plans to conduct two public hearings in the neighborhoods affected by the proposed closures to gather community input.

Several factors have influenced this decision, including significant trends in declining student enrollment, shifts in population patterns, the deteriorating condition of school facilities, and the associated financial implications. Parents in particular areas, such as Frayser, have expressed concerns regarding how these closures may affect their children’s daily commutes.

This closure initiative represents a key element of a broader strategy to better align school facilities with the evolving needs of students and families. MSCS acknowledges that the major school closure initiative is among the most challenging processes the district has faced in its history.

Key Details of the Closure Proposal

• Schools Recommended for Closure: Five schools including Ida B. Wells Academy and Lucy Elementary.
• Student Impact: Over 1,200 students may be affected by the proposed closures.
• Formal Presentation to School Board: Scheduled for February 2026.
• Public Hearings: Two public hearings planned in affected neighborhoods for community feedback.
• Driving Factors: Declining enrollment, population shifts, facility conditions, and financial impact.

Background on MSCS and School Closures

MSCS has been grappling with the dual challenges of declining enrollment and the high costs associated with maintaining aging school facilities. As student populations continue to shrink in certain areas, the financial burden on the district has increased, prompting a strategic reassessment of school operations and facilities.

Closing and consolidating schools is part of a larger ongoing effort by MSCS to adapt to changing demographics and better serve the educational needs of its community. Stakeholders and community members will have opportunities to weigh in on the proposed changes during the upcoming public hearings, highlighting the district’s commitment to transparency and community involvement in this critical decision-making process.

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HERE Resources

Memphis Schools Consider Closures and Transfers Amid Declining Enrollment
Memphis Schools Consider Closure of Five Institutions
Financial Crisis Faces Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Declining Enrollment in Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Memphis Reports on Mixed Performance in Student Growth
Concerns Mount Over Safety in Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Memphis Schools Achieve Academic Growth Amid Challenges
Closure of Historic Humes Middle School Sparks Community Backlash
New Committee Formed to Address School Infrastructure in Memphis
xAI Enhances School Facilities in Memphis-Shelby County

Additional Resources

• FOX 13 Memphis
• Action News 5
• Commercial Appeal
• Memphis Flyer
• MLK50
• Wikipedia: Memphis Shelby County Schools
• Google Search: Memphis school closures
• Google Scholar: Memphis school closures
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis school closures
• Google News: Memphis school closures

Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER

The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.