[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6586439,"mediaKeyId","5504136-99ff2c78c3ed2fa613f6af41e9ee5180","parentId",5504136,"title","Votes at a glance: board adopts cell phone policy, approves consent agenda and strategic allocations","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",12792000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5504136-99ff2c78c3ed2fa613f6af41e9ee5180&start=12792&end=12792","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5504136-99ff2c78c3ed2fa613f6af41e9ee5180/thumbnail_12792000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6586439/Tennessee/Votes-at-a-glance-board-adopts-cell-phone-policy-approves-consent-agenda-and-strategic-allocations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586439-4a507bfb5280839c16a8971175b88560/orig.mp4?Expires=1775106872&Signature=DjrzVpqFI5mS3MRi~2yYn-O4-YiqsJsFKA8Ro6YDZ~QEQx816H2bPEl1DW77cSYUb6uceHxMh2u8n3pzt~5Z9rVQtvKvoqIdq5UQPwGvsFP3ld6cP~9uBH0-~Uk9qdrSz9SO1bxTiAk2egogHp5R5vPAuLW2pV90TPhxG-X4CiZ-G7h48uYEKeaIVs46ekz9LVF4Xb4rnUVQpKSqFv-LXzg26C4MVKAI3pBKjVJ-MaGNse4bvangn-jxQwR6OsvvRlUwhrlXavb7RILJ17JoPsNskzSQXig8d3pdjIcNlHoqr~UE9Vt-h80Rs2OFjNvdhNnkkN-jtbGV8ssfifmoZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Shelby County Schools","date","2025-07-29T22:09:36Z","article","Key formal votes at the Memphis Shelby County Schools board meeting on July 29:

Adopted policy 6024 (Cell Phone / Personal Communication Devices) in first reading after the board suspended the normal rule requiring second reading. The motion to suspend rules and adopt the policy passed on roll call (8 in favor, 0 no at suspension; subsequent adoption recorded 8 in favor). The policy is required by law and was advanced to be in effect before the upcoming school year.

Consent agenda: The board approved a broad consent agenda covering contracts, purchases, facility sales, grants, naming rights and charter authorization items. Notable items included: approval of KIPP Cordova Collegiate Elementary School (charter authorization approved), a U.S. Department of Energy grant project (Veil Energy/Providence LLC) for $10,093,995, multiple technology and curriculum purchases (for example Curriculum Associates $2,847,860), sale of former Denver Elementary to Capstone Education Group ($1,600,000), lease of former Northwest Prep to Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering ($295,247), and several grant renewals and contracts. The consent agenda passed by roll call, 9 in the affirmative.

Strategic school fund allocations: The board approved a resolution allocating $142,515 from the MSCS board member strategic school fund for July 2025. The motion passed by roll call with 8 ayes, 0 no and 1 abstention (Board member McKinney abstained).

Adding an agenda item by motion: Earlier in the meeting, the board voted to add the XAI in‑kind donation resolution for discussion and to the agenda; that procedural vote passed by 9 in the affirmative.

Ending: Minutes for prior meetings and multiple committee reports were approved by voice and roll call as listed on the consent agenda. Board staff will post adopted policies and contract award details to BoardDocs and related procurement systems for public record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","MSCS BOARD MEETING 7/29/25","oneSentenceSummary","The MSCS board suspended rules to adopt Policy 6024 (cell phone/personal communication devices) on first reading, approved a multi‑item consent agenda and authorized strategic allocations totaling $142,515.","taxTitle","Shelby County, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",13505,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6586444,"Residents and youth urge board to approve Dream Catchers charter, KIPP Cordova expansion and youth board representation",11276,694000,11970000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5504136-99ff2c78c3ed2fa613f6af41e9ee5180&start=694&end=11970","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5504136-99ff2c78c3ed2fa613f6af41e9ee5180/thumbnail_694000.jpg","/articles/6586444/Tennessee/Residents-and-youth-urge-board-to-approve-Dream-Catchers-charter-KIPP-Cordova-expansion-and-youth-board-representation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586444-ed220ea7019b643c1263cfc48b122599/orig.mp4?Expires=1775106872&Signature=l7pvkfatQwxxtfnW9iB5gHFGHM8YvLzg2okVcuqgK4T1qJyLELoVR3fbSc2yjVowqnOq-kgNPNC2hiaPeuIWyRsk9GAgKpUYa4A4YeZhmcUNUNrVVw4e2dLoTgbk5WR8rxRXL3Uc0faBq9QbUK-49WwmaXcG6wvViocgZoCKplSppG~1SrpgtT7MuQ67DBL0eHsEOqL9-63tC3G-OgMCNNwOWLEtDOEWAo5XefG2gBbMN6b1beYJahAySSA9qqJXlLfm4JKsyukFApD0EjZw7E9~KLXsVGK4wB~tslh2Xr9tOCD4SsqCTVIcYoXKpabxhiiWxT9mt7gBUCPn~DKWqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Thirty‑one public speakers signed up and delivered comments during the July 29 public comment period. Major themes included support for Dream Catchers Academy (a proposed charter to serve homeless and housing‑insecure students), support for expansion of KIPP Memphis with KIPP Cordova Collegiate Elementary, and calls for stronger youth voice and participation under recently enacted state law requiring a non‑voting student representative.

Several speakers, including state Representative and community advocates, described the district’s documented homeless student population (speakers referenced figures of about 2,000 to nearly 3,000) and urged the board to approve Dream Catchers Academy to provide wraparound services such as stable schooling, meals and counseling. Sharon Macklin, Centuria Johnson (a caregiver who said she is currently housing‑insecure), Kimberly Holt (assistant principal at KIPP Memphis Collegiate Elementary) and others described Dream Catchers as an effort focused on a vulnerable population and asked the board to override a staff recommendation that had not favored the charter.

Multiple speakers representing KIPP Memphis—including teachers, parents and staff—requested approval for KIPP Cordova Collegiate Elementary, describing academic outcomes and family demand in Cordova and urging the board to approve that expansion. Testimony came from KIPP employees who said they had seen positive student outcomes in existing KIPP schools.

Youth speakers and youth‑advocacy groups—represented by students and members of Bridges USA’s Youth Action Center, the Shelby County Youth Council and other youth advocates—urged the board to implement state law (Senate Bill 161 / House Bill 1199) by allowing students meaningful participation in board policy advisory committees and expanding student representative structures beyond the minimum legal requirement. Students asked the board to participate in youth–adult equity training and to reform student congress to enable broader, elected student representation.

Other public comments included concerns about ADA compliance from an advocate for deaf students, lead exposure research presented by the Memphis Shelby County Lead Safe Collaborative, a request for funding partnership for a Man Up teacher fellowship that supports recruitment of Black male teachers, and several speakers urging responsiveness in enrollment and staffing issues.

Ending: The board heard a range of community testimony and took no direct policy votes during the public comment period. Board and staff members acknowledged the youth requests and noted the student board member policy and policy advisory committee as items under consideration.","More than 30 speakers addressed the board during public comment. Numerous speakers urged approval of Dream Catchers Academy (a charter for homeless students), asked for KIPP Cordova Collegiate Elementary expansion approval, and called for stronger youth representation and youth–adult equity training under new state law.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6586449,"Board hears plan to transition Head Start services after grantee change; district outlines staff placement and seat impacts",1660,6979000,8639000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5504136-99ff2c78c3ed2fa613f6af41e9ee5180&start=6979&end=8639","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5504136-99ff2c78c3ed2fa613f6af41e9ee5180/thumbnail_6979000.jpg","/articles/6586449/Tennessee/Board-hears-plan-to-transition-Head-Start-services-after-grantee-change-district-outlines-staff-placement-and-seat-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586449-512761472f4fd681bfcf50c1132aa9ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1775106872&Signature=VSiUI43WvnkMkF4ok-CaHPhmNFOe5MJ4SiM6VzY5NsQZHYJC-8J1-iDSnO3G5mRFToc9tP6fW20taWNm2iVddopPnG164tJCZpoAed4ytmLFQbSpOhr3DohOcf0v1wNxuf21o27HkbmtZigHEHJgIBlw3JsTibb-q0DbgLbH8iiDyFUwxlxvZZ9iz08WYt68zoJtvM0h64GEvbOCqbrwRcNoyJwNVQkqfTR72TKcJh~V~ijFgovFsnfvl8owMbrzmP2EbTXXbJRsTwD3jh3B0Skb5JyoovIyECBDruEg4fMJplb4sayqviWz9veVJWMz1PuDKutCTmRRV0pk3HA~0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Director of Early Childhood Services gave a high‑level report about Head Start and the district’s plan after the federal grantee changes. The presentation described historical context, current funding sources and next steps to transition certain centers to an external grantee (Porta‑Leath) while maintaining VPK and other district pre‑K programs.

Director Monica Gordon said the district received transition funds and currently has roughly $29.18 million across grants and local funds to operate existing pre‑K portfolios for 2025–26. She explained that Port‑a‑Leath has applied to operate several centers (Covington Pike, Delano, Douglas, Hanley and Ridgeway Early Learning Center) and that the district will work with facilities staff to transfer any assets or buildings associated with the Head Start portfolio that are included in the successful grantee’s application.

Gordon said the district will operate its VPK (state pre‑K) program independently and maintain about 1,000 fund‑1 seats; the combined service portfolio after transition is expected to serve approximately 3,600 students. She said the district will reduce its Head Start portfolio by roughly 1,500 seats because of the grant change. District staff reported that many Head Start teachers and classroom staff are eligible for district permits and that Human Resources and Licensure will help place qualified staff in VPK and other district roles. Gordon described a plan to offer specialized educational assistant positions, other central office and school roles, custodial opportunities and to provide information about job fairs coordinated with the incoming grantee.

Board members asked how parents and families would be notified and how center assignments would be handled for students, particularly four‑year‑olds. Gordon said the district had communicated to families by email and social media and was responding to parent inquiries; she said the district will work with Porta‑Leath to share wait‑list information and transition families if parents consent to information sharing. Board members sought clarification about facilities, deed transfer and reversion rights; Gordon said items purchased with federal funds will be included in the portfolio transferred to the new grantee and that facilities and equipment disposition will be handled consistent with federal and grant rules.

Gordon said the district’s early childhood staff worked to secure permits for classroom educators and to place as many affected employees as possible; she also noted plans to “build back better” and petition the state for additional classrooms in coming cycles. The district will follow a federal close‑out checklist with weekly updates to the regional office during the 120‑day close‑out process.

Ending: The board asked staff to continue family outreach, post transition timelines and ensure clear placement pathways for affected staff; porting of centers and federal assets to the new grantee will proceed under federal Head Start rules and a 120‑day transition timetable.","MSCS staff explained the district’s transition away from Head Start grantee status, the funding picture for pre‑K and the plan to redeploy or place affected employees. Officials said the district will lose about 1,500 Head Start seats but will operate VPK and other funded seats, and will work with Porta‑Leath to transfer centers and families.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6586454,"Superintendent unveils regional structure and new organizational chart for Memphis Shelby County Schools",2066,3989000,6055000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5504136-99ff2c78c3ed2fa613f6af41e9ee5180&start=3989&end=6055","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5504136-99ff2c78c3ed2fa613f6af41e9ee5180/thumbnail_3989000.jpg","/articles/6586454/Tennessee/Superintendent-unveils-regional-structure-and-new-organizational-chart-for-Memphis-Shelby-County-Schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586454-e0e2ba4facbc5b0db8393f7b4ea5a9c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775106872&Signature=K-QSw5iaQmhNNWY1UI0-X9s53ztO8D~49m8Uk0hbdEg~BiYv1f9Ohl04nHI87Qeie46CnAm7aQBdER4ghCYd5~NmYWlyznjSyi6KECkX5ukEM4jkJL1yaiKkunkYCHRnX948N3btU6K5XvX0zK~RQ4md7U1Om3dADINjzX-AWdct3g-uxqjExgaBS2OzsAI040ikrTM3DpW6qGbgVLl4qULrjgyKFw2KscCzhkexb02V0hsS7QG7Q~Lh02N4h~2BAeA5PgEXgcC3Xc2fm4cVc5CW6olWRt4XtcA90UXo-ejfyxjmcTTYUxkkysx7XdReQlOIz6j05SPnyCvm6XtRYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond presented a restructured organizational chart and a shift from performance networks to four geographic regions at the Memphis Shelby County Schools board meeting on July 29. The proposal creates regional superintendents, instructional leadership coaches and local offices intended to align curriculum K–12, improve community engagement and distribute resources by feeder pattern.

Richmond described the change as a move from last year’s seven performance networks—organized by letter grade—toward geographically aligned regions to reduce travel time for supervisors, create clearer local contact points and improve facility planning. He said regional leaders will oversee “ecosystems of support” that include instructional coaches and regional advisories and will focus on feeder‑pattern strength, community investment, and equity of programming.

The superintendent named regional superintendents and instructional leadership coaches; he said the selection process involved panels and multiple tasks and that candidates largely had prior network leadership experience. Richmond said the 10 instructional leadership coach positions were included in last year’s budget but not previously filled, and that the district had recruited some candidates from outside the system.

Richmond said each region will have scorecards and targets that cascade to schools and principals—he cited a district goal to increase proficiency in elementary ELA as an example—and said research, evaluation and accountability will track progress. He described planned supports for high‑need “eyes‑on” schools, plans to repurpose underused facilities as regional hubs, and the creation of advisory councils and regional site‑based decision making.

Board members asked detailed questions. Board member Porter asked how regional superintendents would be held accountable; Richmond replied the system will use scorecards with school‑level targets and that research and evaluation staff would support those expectations. Board member McKissick asked how the district would communicate the changes to restore community trust; Richmond said a communications rollout is planned and regional offices will offer local entry points for parents and teachers. Board member Williams emphasized the need for consistent, timely curriculum materials across classrooms; Richmond said lesson plans and PowerPoint materials were prepared and distributed to reduce teacher planning burdens.

Other board members raised concerns about choice, student mobility and facilities. Richmond said regionalization does not remove school choice or open enrollment; rather it aims to strengthen neighborhood feeder patterns so families can find strong options close to home. He also noted plans to repurpose Ridgeway annex as a regional office and virtual school hub.

Richmond and board members said next steps include posting the full organizational chart and academic plan, bringing principals and additional leadership announcements in August, and implementing scorecards and regional advisory structures. The presentation did not require an immediate board vote; Richmond asked staff to return with follow‑up materials and operational details.

Ending: The board received the regionalization presentation and asked staff for follow‑up on communication plans, scorecards and the implementation timeline ahead of the fall semester.","Interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond presented a regionalization plan and updated organizational chart aimed at localized leadership, curriculum alignment and stronger feeder patterns across four geographic regions.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_46":117,"_48":118,"_50":119,"_52":120,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":121,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":122,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6586459,"Memphis school board approves in‑kind donations from XAI for four Southwest schools amid community debate",2845,10023000,12868000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5504136-99ff2c78c3ed2fa613f6af41e9ee5180&start=10023&end=12868","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5504136-99ff2c78c3ed2fa613f6af41e9ee5180/thumbnail_10023000.jpg","/articles/6586459/Tennessee/Memphis-school-board-approves-inkind-donations-from-XAI-for-four-Southwest-schools-amid-community-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586459-340308dc3025ef8ce6523c6d83e78891/orig.mp4?Expires=1775106872&Signature=XhngmyTn0VQAJ14CtHyulA9LdFfxFCvf9DRcifqe9z8AUx01eG4dzDApl69lTxkLH-0YaEQEN4KscmvSNrn6x-uxb5lopV7p7trMAYz5Yz0Xon1~i6Xtg2PJW~y~b1rkE0q2-6iGQq2ztXB5xLPekbh5c26Tx4SXLmKKPKbFsYOW1q0c88I3elqW~mXKb8O5JFfBXWdgMh5YP9i~4OwtERu2KNT~~2-Z1tvzohc06akNmMSQ7piWz0rSZMEjyseV6hteqSUV6OAFYuAEK7GVpOa7sLqgo-zR4I91DaaYd12-~B-e2ZgXhJAIpvCYHEQnXUwqt5eLgu7VFzSBTJ6lTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Memphis Shelby County School Board on July 29 approved a resolution authorizing interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond to enter a memorandum of understanding to accept in‑kind donations from XAI Corp. for improvements at four Southwest Memphis schools: J.P. Freeman Optional, Fairley High, Mitchell High and Westwood High.

The board action followed a lengthy discussion about the company’s local investments and community concerns. Board member Amber Huot Garcia introduced the item and read a July 15, 2025, letter from XAI describing proposed upgrades that include painting, HVAC work, restroom modernizations, athletic field and track improvements, specialized academic spaces (chemistry/technology labs), furniture, signage and audiovisual systems. The letter states XAI would assume financial responsibility for the work and that “no funds would change hands between the company and the school district.”

Board members pressed for clarity on whether the commitment is a one‑time, transactional gift or the start of a longer partnership to develop workforce pipelines and neighborhood investment. Bobby White of the Greater Memphis Chamber and Pastor Melvin Watkins, a Westwood community leader, urged the board to view the offer as a beginning of sustained local investment. White described prior and ongoing private investments tied to the company’s local operations and said the company had delayed public announcements until regulatory reviews were complete. Pastor Watkins said Westwood is not a monolith and that some local leaders and residents support the investments.

Opponents cited public health and environmental concerns raised in earlier community meetings. Board member Williams said some residents oppose locating the company near predominantly Black neighborhoods and warned the board to avoid binding the district to projects that could later concern public health. Board member Murphy said she wanted assurance the contributions would not leave the district with maintenance burdens if the partner later withdrew. Several board members sought specific terms and safeguards to protect students and staff, such as monitoring, clear maintenance responsibilities and workforce development commitments.

The resolution, titled “Resolution approving in‑kind donation and authorizing superintendent to enter into memorandum of understanding,” states the board will accept the donation under board policy 02/2019 (acceptance of grants, gifts and donations) and directs the superintendent to negotiate an MOU setting the terms for the school improvement projects described in the July 15 letter. The resolution notes the value of the donated improvements will exceed $15,000 and that construction and installation would be performed by district‑approved contractors.

Roll call on final adoption recorded seven votes in favor and two opposed: McKissick (Aye), Garcia (Aye), Porter (Aye), Murphy (Aye), Love (No), McKinney (Aye), O’Te (Aye), Williams (No), Coleman (Aye). The board’s approval authorizes the superintendent to execute an MOU with XAI to govern the projects; the MOU’s final terms were not presented at the meeting.

Board members and community leaders said the next steps should include publicly available MOU terms, specific maintenance and liability language, community‑facing monitoring (for example, environmental or air‑quality monitoring if requested), and explicit workforce and training commitments that tie school programs to job pathways. Garcia and others emphasized the district’s policy requirement that facility alterations above a threshold be approved and transparent.

The vote does not itself finalize project designs or contractor selections. Board members asked staff to ensure any MOU be clear on scope, schedule, contractor approval by the district, and how the parties will handle contingency costs or future maintenance.

Proponents said the proposals offer immediate facility upgrades in schools with substantial deferred maintenance. Opponents asked the district to secure enforceable protections for students, staff and neighborhoods before work proceeds. The superintendent said staff would bring back the MOU and related documents for district review.

Ending: The board’s action allows staff to begin formalizing an agreement with XAI; details of specific projects, contractors, timelines and any community protections remain to be negotiated and publicly posted.","The Memphis Shelby County School Board approved a resolution authorizing the superintendent to enter an MOU accepting in‑kind facility and program improvements from XAI Corp. The measure passed 7–2 after public and board debate about long‑term partnership, community health concerns and accountability.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: board adopts cell phone policy, approves consent agenda and strategic allocations

Residents and youth urge board to approve Dream Catchers charter, KIPP Cordova expansion and youth board representation

Board hears plan to transition Head Start services after grantee change; district outlines staff placement and seat impacts

Superintendent unveils regional structure and new organizational chart for Memphis Shelby County Schools

Memphis school board approves in‑kind donations from XAI for four Southwest schools amid community debate