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

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.