Shelby County school board approves sale of Humes Middle School to New Ballet Ensemble after removing contract requirement

At its Sept. 30, 2025 meeting, the Memphis Shelby County School Board voted 6–3 to declare Humes Middle School (659 N. Manassas) surplus and approve its sale to New Ballet Ensemble for $257,000 after removing a sentence that would have required the buyer to operate the site as a district contract school.

Board member Michelle McKissick moved to remove the sentence that read, “New Ballet Ensemble commits to operating the proposed performing arts school as a district contract school.” The amendment passed 6–3. After the amendment passed, the board approved the sale by roll call, 6–3.

The decision followed more than an hour of public comment, much of it in favor of New Ballet Ensemble’s proposal to repurpose the vacant, historic Humes building as a performing-arts school. Katie Smythe, speaking for New Ballet Ensemble, urged the board to approve the purchase and said, “I’m looking forward to having discussions about working with you as a contract school.” Several community speakers—including Marvin Davis, Norman Redwing, Yolanda Parkerson, Deborah Kofi, Lisonbee Gray and Frank Smith—told the board the proposal would restore a deteriorating neighborhood asset and expand arts opportunities for young people.

McKissick, who led the motion to amend, said she supported selling the building now to prevent further deterioration. “This building has been sitting vacant for a year now, and it’s been deteriorating for some years,” she said during debate, urging action to avoid further loss of the structure and the cost of extended vacancy to the community. Other board members argued that including a contractual commitment would help ensure district students had access and priority; supporters of the amendment said the property’s condition made an immediate sale necessary.

The amendment vote to strike the contract language was recorded as: McKissick—Yes; Amber Hubert Garcia—Yes; Porter—Yes; Murphy—Yes; Vice Chair Love—No; Natalie McKinney—No; O’Tay—Yes; Williams—No; Chair Coleman—Yes (6 Yes, 3 No). The subsequent final roll-call on the sale recorded McKissick—Aye; Garcia—Aye; Porter—Aye; Murphy—Aye; McKinney—No; O’Tay—Aye; Williams—No; Chair Coleman—Aye (6 Aye, 3 No).

Board members and community speakers also discussed local contracting and workforce goals tied to the renovation; Deborah Kofi, a former educator and community member, asked that renovation contracts include significant local participation, saying the community sought clarity and that “we need to have at least 45% of the contractors to renovate Humes.” New Ballet and board members said more detailed partnership and operating agreements would be discussed after the sale process.

Under the board’s action, the district declared the Humes property surplus and approved the sale at the listed price. The amendment removing the proposed contract-school commitment remains part of the record. The superintendent’s office and district staff will follow the sale process steps required to finalize the transaction.

Votes on the Humes item were taken under agenda item 11.7. The sale approval does not, as adopted, include the struck language committing New Ballet Ensemble to operate the site as an MSCS contract school. The board did not vote on a separate operating contract at the meeting.