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Board hears recommended contracts, property transactions and Cigna extension; agenda approved 8-0
Summary
Staff presented a package of recommended contracts and two proposed property transactions, and added a one-year Cigna extension to the agenda. The board approved the meeting agenda 8-0; no final approvals of the recommended contracts or property sales were recorded in this meeting.
The Shelby County Board of Education reviewed a series of staff-recommended contracts, proposed property dispositions and an added contract extension for district health coverage during its meeting. Board members discussed the items but the transcript shows the recommendations were presented; no final votes on the contracts or property sales were recorded in this meeting.
The meeting opened by approving the agenda on a motion by Board Member Murphy, seconded by Board Member McKissick. A roll-call recorded the following affirmative votes: Board Member McKissick; Board Member Porter; Board Member Murphy; Board Member McKinney; Board Member Otey; Board Member Williams; Board Chair Coleman. The clerk announced, "You have 8 in the affirmative." The motion passed.
Staff then presented the recommended contracts and sales as follows (amounts and descriptions read into the record): - Port Olaf Head Start contract: $2,041,000 to manage 13 pre-K classrooms (presented as recommended approval). - First 8 Memphis wraparound contract: $1,348,650 for comprehensive wraparound services in 37 pre-K classrooms for 2025–26. - First 8 Memphis preschool direct services contract: $5,049,511 for preschool direct services in 37 classrooms for 2025–26. - First 8 Memphis community partners contract: $200,100 (presented as recommendation to support two community partner programs). - First 8 Memphis coaching contract: $259,000 for services in 37 classrooms for 2025–26. - University of Tennessee, Knoxville affiliation agreement (no dollar amount stated) for the 2025–26 school year. - Sale of former Humes Middle School to New Ballet Ensemble for $2,257,000; New Ballet Ensemble proposes to operate a performing arts school as a district contract school (presentation and community feedback were discussed; no final vote recorded). - Proposed sale/transfer of the 3030 Jackson administration campus to New Day Tennessee in exchange for the cost of renovating and leasing a Myers Road warehouse and relocating district operations. Staff said the total estimated value for relocation, renovation to meet FDA guidelines and a 10-year lease was currently estimated near $5,000,000, but the final number was still being negotiated and would be presented at next week's board vote meeting. - Districtwide HVAC filter services contract: $932,937 with National Filter Solution, Inc. - Athletic field preparation services: total $478,617.16 across two contractors for multiple sites. - Contract with Holland & Knight LLP for legislative consultant services: $108,000 (contract period 10/1/2025–9/30/2026). - Contract extension for district healthcare with Cigna: staff presented a one-year extension to carry the district through the end of calendar year 2026; the item was described as RFP/transition planning to move to a new vendor in 2027. The extension amount read into the record was $41,900,000.
When board members asked questions, staff clarified several points. A staff presenter confirmed the Head Start and pre-K teachers mentioned in the contracts were Shelby County Schools teachers employed by the district but assigned to community partner sites. On the 3030 Jackson sale, staff explained New Day Tennessee's offer would include renovating the Myers Road warehouse to FDA guidelines, leasing it to the district for 10 years and covering move costs; staff said the parties were still finalizing quotes and would present a precise dollar figure at the next board vote meeting.
Several board members discussed community concerns on the Humes sale, including appraised value, building condition and community participation in reuse plans. Board Member McKinney reported feedback from a recent community meeting and urged the district to protect community participation and consider fiscal responsibility in any sale.
No final votes on the listed contracts or property transactions were recorded in the transcript for this meeting; staff characterized each item as "recommended" and indicated some items will appear on the agenda for a vote next week.
