Memphis Shelby County Schools approves six‑month Proximity Learning contract to fill teacher shortages

The Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Board of Education on Dec. 3 approved a $4,690,796.40 contract with Proximity Learning Incorporated to provide virtual teachers and related services for the remainder of the 2024–25 school year.

Board members debated whether to bind the district to a multiyear agreement and raised questions about the extra classroom staff and other costs that would be required to operate proximity (virtual) classes. The board closed debate using a previous‑question motion and then voted to adopt the contract; the final tally (roll call) was recorded as nine votes in the affirmative and no votes against.

Supporters, including Superintendent Fagan and district procurement staff, said the contract fills classroom gaps this school year and that funds are allocated in the current budget. Superintendent Fagan said the funding for the vendor was included in the district’s current budget and described the contract as a way to address immediate classroom needs without reopening the procurement process. Procurement chief Tito Langston told the board the vendor’s pricing is locked in and that renewing or expanding the contract could be considered during the next budget cycle.

Opponents and some board members pressed for more specifics before committing to a longer contract. Commissioner Love said she feared a repeat of the shortages experienced earlier in the school year and urged caution about extending the arrangement beyond the year. Board members repeatedly asked district staff how many in‑person aides or other positions would be required to support proximity classrooms, and staff acknowledged additional personnel and material costs (headphones, supplies and possible PCNs) could apply beyond the vendor’s contract amount.

Language used by the board to end debate invoked the previous‑question rule; board members then voted on the main motion to approve the Proximity Learning contract. The district will begin the services under the six‑month agreement and may propose renewal or budget funding for future years during the upcoming budget cycle.

Superintendent Fagan and procurement staff said they will return to the board with more detailed cost and staffing projections as part of the budget process so members can evaluate whether to continue or expand the program in 2025–26.

The vote followed months of district discussion about vacancies and the need for supplemental instructional staffing. The contract passed after the board voted 9–0 to adopt it.