Shelby County Board reviews dozens of contracts and resolutions; agenda added for Goodwill/Promise discussion and facilities plan deadline set

The Shelby County Board of Education reviewed a long list of recommended contracts, grants and purchases Thursday and scheduled several items for the regular board meeting while setting a Sept. 1 deadline for a comprehensive facilities plan.

The board first approved the evening's agenda by roll call. "Motion by Vice Chair Love," the record shows; the roll call vote was 9 in the affirmative and the motion passed.

Interim Superintendent Richmond and district staff presented recommended approvals including a contract with the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid South for Summer Learning Academy before- and after-care services not to exceed $1,399,000 for summer 2025; a five-year, no-cost clinical affiliation agreement with the University of Memphis Department of Psychology to assist training and recruitment of licensed school psychologists; and an exceptional education technology refresh totaling $609,371.75 (Arie Jones Educational Solutions $597,541.75 plus Unistar Sparco Computers $11,830).

Staff also recommended approval of a library automation system with Cigna Software Corporation for $338,100; adoption of K'12 science textbooks (staff said textbooks are aligned with the state-approved list and that the district has budgeted approximately $10,000,000 for textbook purchases); and multiple school-level technology purchases, including Sheffield High School ($109,886.45) and Treadwell Middle School ($128,568.20). Nutrition services requested replacement of 175 cafeteria workstation computers at a total of $184,680.75.

Other items presented included an amendment to a Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services contract (contract 20240751) extending the end date from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with no change to the $236,908 award; a three-year, no-cost memorandum of understanding with Sandy Hook Promise Foundation (May 15, 2025'June 30, 2028) focused on professional development with emphasis on grades 6'12; procurement approvals including a biometric time-and-attendance contract with Andrews Technology for $1,159,400 (initial three-year term $943,720 plus two one-year options), and a $138,695 purchase from Vantage Learning LLC for a web-based writing tool for 21 priority schools.

The board was also presented with a package of charter authorization recommendations: staff recommended denying five charter applications in the initial round (Dream Catchers Charter School, Hillcrest High School, KIPP Memphis Creative and Performing Arts Elementary, Kirby Middle School, and Still I Rise Academy). Staff explained the denial recommendations largely reflected incomplete applications and that applicants may revise and resubmit in the next round or appeal to the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission.

On facilities, Board member Natalie McKinney summarized a resolution directing the administration to present a comprehensive facilities plan by Sept. 1, 2025, informed by the Bureau Veritas facility condition assessments and accompanied by a community engagement process. The resolution also establishes an ad hoc facilities planning committee of board members, local government and community representatives. Miss Langston and IT staff said they will work on a posting strategy to make the assessments accessible online.

Board members discussed Goodwill Excel and Hollywood Promise Academy in connection with a potential property sale and an associated request to waive a deed reversionary clause so Goodwill Excel could retain and resell a building. Staff said the two items (waiver of reversion and expansion of Goodwill's ZIP-code service area to include 38134 and 38108) are linked and requested to place both items on the regular board meeting agenda for Tuesday. General Counsel Bailey clarified the board was being asked to waive a reversionary clause in the deed, not to decide whether the property should be sold.

Several donations and grant acceptances were presented for approval including a $26,595.82 gift from the John Roberts estate to Central High School for track scholarships, a $27,783 donation from the Craigmont High School marching band booster club for band transportation, and a $17,433 grant from Shriners International to purchase furniture for the Shrine School.

Board members also read a resolution affirming the district's intent to participate in section 4 of the Education Freedom Act of 2025 solely to secure a one-time teacher bonus of not less than $2,000 for K'12 public school teachers for the 2024'25 school year; the resolution was sponsored by multiple board members and will appear on the consent agenda next week.

Many items were presented as "recommended for approval" and, unless otherwise recorded, will be placed on the regular meeting consent agenda for formal action. Several presenters and board members asked for additional detail or follow-up information before final votes.

Votes at a glance: the work session recorded a roll call approving the meeting agenda (9-0). Most contract, grant and adoption matters were presented as recommendations to be voted on at the regular board meeting or placed on the consent agenda.