Memphis-Shelby board approves $1.9 billion budget and three‑year Teach for America agreement

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education voted to approve a $1.9 billion fiscal 2025–26 budget and a multi‑year agreement with Teach for America on motions taken during a special meeting.

Chief Langston, representing the district administration, told the board the budget the board approved reflects $5,000,000 in capital investments currently held in the Shelby County Commission’s proposed budget and that the district’s larger original request was $35,000,000. “What I often like to say is that you'll approve a budget today, July 1. It'll be a different budget because things change, and we have to move things around all the time,” Chief Langston said.

The board approved the budget in a roll‑call vote with seven affirmative votes. Board Chair Coleman announced “we have 7 in the affirmative,” and the motion passed.

Why it matters: the approved budget sets the district’s revenue and expenditure framework for the coming year while leaving room for amendments through the fiscal year. The administration said the $5,000,000 listed in the county’s current proposal prioritizes intercom replacements (described as a fire/life‑safety item) and one elevator replacement; the board was shown a handout listing the items included and a separate list of items omitted from the original $35,000,000 request.

Discussion and key details

- Capital priorities and flexibility: The administration said the $5,000,000 in the county’s proposed funding would mainly address intercom systems and one elevator replacement. Chief Langston noted county…