multiple all West and all state honors. A top scholar in her class, active National Honor Society member, and dedicated volunteer, she combines leadership, academic excellence, and a servant's heart. She is also a 2026 deputant for
Sigma Alpha Iota Pearls and Pan Pipes. Lastly, we have Ashlin Robinson, senior at Germantown High School. Ashlin Robinson, a Germantown High senior, is a talented performer and 2025 all West Choir member who has excelled in choir,
orchestra, and lead theater roles. She is also an entrepreneur, tutor, and dedicated community volunteer and a 2026 deputant for Sigma Alpha iota pearls and pen pipes. All right. What we're what we're going to do now is
ask that um superintendent make some recognitions. We're going to bring that up and make some recommendations, please. >> Yes. Thank you, board chair. This evening, we're thrilled to celebrate some of our brightest young scholars, the winners of the 2026 Memphis Shelby County Schools spelling bee. I'd like to
invite Dr. Luster forward to join me as we honor these incredible students. This year's competition brought together more than 80 students from grades 1 through eight. Each one demonstrated tremendous focus, courage, and academic excellence. Our grade band winners are grades one
and two, uh, Malaya Freeman from Oak Haven Elementary, and Malik Valentine from Laose Elementary. Would you come forward if you're here in grades 3 through five,
Sir Darth Gopal, Grahamwood Elementary. Aaron Lloyd from Laurance Elementary in grades 6 through 8. Draven Bagot from
Colonial Middle School. Would you all come forward? We're also incredibly proud of Leila Hesllet from Maxine Smith Steam Academy. Leila represented Memphis Shelby County Schools at the Scripps Regional Spelling
B at the University of Memphis where she tied for second place. A heartfelt thank you to our general sponsors, regions, the National Civil Rights Museum, MOSH, the Memphis Botanic Garden, International Paper, the Memphis Grizzlies, and School Seed for making
this celebration possible and for supporting our student success. Together, you're helping create opportunities where greatness truly grows. Thank you, students. Let's give them another big round of applause. >> Maybe Next, MSCS students had the opportunity
to attend the Tennessee School Boards Association Scope Conference, which brings together 9th through 12th grade students from across the state to discuss current topics in education. Participants explored key issues through mock school board meetings, group
discussions, and debates. They gained a deeper understanding of how school boards operate. They attended the conference with board member Michelle McKisac, our own TSBA vice president. Board member McKisik, would you like to share any additional context on the
conference before we acknowledge the students? >> As a matter of fact, I would. Uh, so the student congress on policies and education, we have student leaders from across the state, uh, from every school district and MSCS had four students to be able to attend. I don't know if I'm going to steal your thunder about one of
our students and what he accomplished. Okay, I'll go ahead and take that then. Um, as a vice president of the Tennessee School Board Association, I'm so proud to announce that of our four students who will receive the awards, one of them was elected the president of the student congress for the next school year, which
is a huge feat. First time for Memphis Shelby County students, very impressive. So, and that student's name is Mark Williams. Also, we had Sia Green from Middle
College High School. We had Charlie Russell from White Station and the daughter of our very own board member, Mckis, Miss Bliss McKisick from White Station High School as well. Let's give
them a round of applause. Okay, I'm good. There we go. this evening. >> Excuse me, Dr. Richmond. I'm so sorry if I may. Just one more. I want to acknowledge uh I that trip could not have been possible with Dr. without Dr. Billy Walker, Dr. Luster and Mr. Gorier
who were amazing uh in uh assisting with the students and and all sorts of support. So, I just want to say thank you to them and uh to Charlie who came straight from a tennis match to be here. So, thank you to all of our SCOP students.
>> Thank you. Thank you all. This evening, we're also proud to share that Memphis Shelby County Schools PreK has been recognized with a gold medal for highquality accessible preK programming among large urban districts.
This national distinction awarded by City Health and the National Institute for Early Educational Research recognizes MSCS PreK for meeting nine of the 10 national quality standards in their 2026 report, An Updated Look at
PreK in Large American Cities. This recognition affirms our commitment to giving every child in every neighborhood an excellent early learning experience that prepares them for lifelong success. It reflects the dedication of our educators, leaders, community partners who give our youngest learners the best
possible start. Their work embodies the MSCS spirit and reminds us that greatness grows here from our earliest classrooms to every corner of our district. And I'd also like to recognize uh Dr. Gordon as well. Thank you. Thank
you, Dave. Come on for Come on. Come on, Dave. Come on for And our last student recognition group tonight, this evening, we're also proud to celebrate a group of outstanding students from Memphis East T STEM Academy who have earned national
recognition for their academic work and civic engagement. 10th grade student Peyton Gibson, Carter Holmes, and Ty Miller received a third place award. Let's give them a round of applause.
In the 2026 C-SPAN Student Cam Documentary Competition for their film, The Pursuit. This national competition challenges students across the country to create a documentary addressing a topic of public
importance. Their project explored immigration reform with a focus on Dhaka deferred action from childhood arrivals and the complexities of the immigration system. Through their research, storytelling, and thoughtful analysis, these students demonstrated not only
strong academic skills, but also a deep understanding of issues impacting our community and nation. We're proud that their work has been recognized on the national platform and will be featured across C-SPAN's channels. We're equally proud of the guidance of their teacher,
Mr. Marshon Calvin, whose support helped bring this project to life. This achievement reflects the talent of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the opportunity we're creating across Memphis Shelby County Schools for students to engage, think critically, and lead. Please join me in
congratulating them on this outstanding accomplishment. I don't know All right. Thank you so much. Um, I just want to everyone to recognize that we see a trajectory here, right? We saw our baby spellers, that means they're our
baby readers and our baby learners. And then we saw our all the way to our students who are out here making films and documentaries. So, I want us to recognize that trajectory and everything
you see, arts, academics, please big round of applause. and to the team that began it all, that set the foundation. So, thank you again. Thank you very much. All right, let's move on.
Approval of the agenda. Are there any amendments to the agenda? Superintendent. Yes, Madame Chair. We would like to add the public consulting group for Hamilton High School to the agenda. And we would like to remove
items 13.2, the YMCA of Memphis. We want to bring that back uh for discussion in April and 1322, First State Memphis Community Partners. We'd like to remove those two, 13.2 and 13.22.
>> All right. And then I have some um items as well to amend. I'd like to um move 13.17 naming district real estate into the request for action. I'd like to move amendment Goodwill Excel amendment to
request for action. And I'd like to move um resolution the 13.28 resolution adopting local accountability and transformation plan to the request for actions. Are there any other adjustments to the agenda? If there is no objection, the
agenda will be approved by general consent. Hearing no objection, approved. The items are approved by general consent up. I see board member McKisik. Sorry about that. Um, is there do we
move or are we just voting? How does that work for this? >> No. >> Okay. I I just wanted to make a point of privilege about an item in there. I don't want to remove from the consent agenda, but I just wanted to acknowledge something. Okay. >> When it gets to that point. >> Okay. I will.
>> All right. We're moving on to public comment. In accordance with state statute, the board shall reserve a period for public comment during business and special called meetings. Only those members of the public who submit public comment cards to the board chairman prior to the commencement of
this meeting shall be permitted to address the board. Public comments will proceed in the order in which the public comment cards are received. A signup sheet for public comment is available 30 minutes prior to each applicable meeting and will be closed at the start of the
meeting. The signup is located at the entryway table just past the security checkpoint. Speakers must state their name, organization he or she is representing, if any, and the subject of their comment before they are permitted
to proceed. Speakers may offer objective comments about school operations and programs that concern them. Speakers are asked to address the board and not individual members given we make decisions as a body and to refrain from using names of personnel or names of
persons connected with the school system particularly when lodging a complaint. Speakers will not be permitted to engage in gossip, make any defamatory rem comments or use abusive or vulgar language. The chair shall have the
authority to terminate the remarks of any individual who is disruptive or does not adhere to board rules regarding public comment. We have 14 speakers at this time and they will be allotted
two minutes each. When you hear your name, please come up. I'm going to call them three at a time. So the first speaker is Mark Williams. Second speaker is Caleb Chapman. And the third speaker is Carlos Watkins.
>> Mark Williams, um 918 Eastster Avenue. Um just coming today, of course. Thank you for the special recognition. Um also want to recognize um the UEA and their Civic Thawn Day on the Hill that was on March 16th through 17th. Really enjoyed it. met many state representatives such
as uh Mark White, met state senator Lynon Lamar, GA Hardaway, Antonio Parkinson, and others. Uh got to actually talk to them, interact with them, ask some questions with the governor's office. Um great event. Thank y'all for uh helping us. Uh thank also
untimely, but you know, we we still get stuff done. Um but I just want to thank them. Thank y'all and thank uh UEA as well as T up there for uh hosting the event. And that's all I have. Again, thank you, >> Caleb Chapman. All right. Hello, board members.
My name is Caleb Chadman. I am a freshman at the Central High School. Id like to start this off by thanking the United Education Association and our superintendent for granting me the opportunity to go to the state capital to talk about the issues that affect our community. From this experience, I
gained a better insight into how decisions are made at the state level, which gave me the opportunity to ask questions about the recent decisions they made regarding MSES in my community, such as why the funding for the summer EBT program was rejected for MSES
students, to which they did not provide a clear answer for why they did so. I hope that our questions encourage him to make better decisions for our community. As this was my second time going, this helped me learn something new about our government and engage with other
like-minded students within our district. Thank you for your time today. Carlos Watkins. It's a lot of eyes. Um, Carlos Watkins, 178 East Red Oak Drive, Memphis, Tennessee 38112. Um, and again, my name is Carlos
Watkins. I'm so excited to be here today in front of everybody. Um, over Monday and Tuesday of spring break, I was afforded the opportunity to go to the Tennessee State Capital for the very first time, and I'm elated to say that it was a very transformative experience. Um, overall, I had a lot of fun. Um, and
it's something that I will always remember. As a young person pursuing a career in lawmaking and public policy, I'm especially grateful to President Marble, Dr. Stokes, the United Education Association, Superintendent Richmond, and our lawmaking benefactors for making this opportunity possible. Over the past
year, I've been honored I've had the honor of serving as uh at the state level as Tennessee DECA's vice president of leadership and now reelected as a 2026 27 vice president of hospitality for Tennessee DECA. Thank you.
Thank you. Um and with Tennessee being in the name, you would think I have been to the capital before, but no, this is my first time. Um and make the experience all that more meaningful. Um the trip included both current educators, Mr. Schaefer, um retirees who shared valuable knowledge, uh advice and
humor throughout. Um and I felt very I felt way more confident in asking questions to our lawmakers and advocating for our students um in their current needs and their needs in the future. So I just thank everybody for the opportunity. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Um, Rochelle Crawford Hurt Chester Shaga. I apologize if that is not correct. She got and Brendan Ward. Um, good evening. My name is Justin She
from the Meros High School. Um, and one thing I would like to speak on today is I would like to speak on behalf of Project Stan. First, I would like to thank God. I would like to thank him for even giving me the opportunity to be able to go to Washington DC with Project Stan. I also would like to thank him for blessing me with blessing project stand
with even seeing the vision of me even going to Washington. And one thing I would like to thank Project Stan also is for helping for bringing me to Project Stan to help make me become a man because all my life I've come from Orange Mound, born and raised. Um, all I know is the backward side, the how to
cause noise, how to get attention, but I've never learned the business aspect of how to causing a change in a positive way or in the what we call the right way. So, Washington DC helped change me become a man because I seen you don't have to always struggle everywhere you go. and Washington DC helped open up the
doors to show me that politically you can get way more done if you just sit down, have a conversation with a few people, go to your connections and all you just have, all you have to have is the idea. And one thing that I want to bring back to my community that uh Washington helped me was that you don't have to pick up a ball and you don't have to rap just to be able to make it
out of your community. And one thing that I want to do is I took all the knowledge that I got from Washington DC and I brought it back down here cuz one thing that I want to grow up, I want to be a therapist, something that I've never seen in my neighborhood. and I'm the last she left if you should ask. So around my neighborhood, the Sheag name is popping, but I don't really think
it's popping in the best way. So one thing I would like to do is I would like to keep my last name living and bring all the knowledge that I get from wherever I go. No matter if it's from DC, from Nashville, from California, I really just want to bring it back. Uh,
>> and the last thing I would just like to show that that just because I love my hood, it doesn't mean I have to be a product of it. So, I don't have to pick up a ball. I don't have to rap. I don't have to do none of that just to be able to be successful. And one thing that I'm going to do, I'm going to show everybody that's under me that you ain't got to rap. Even though if you like rapping, I
still want you to be a doctor that can rap. Something like that. I need it to be a hobby, not your main job, not the main source of income. So, I don't want to just have a job. I want to make a career for myself and just show everybody that you can have a career, not a hobby. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Styles
Andrews and I'm currently a senior at Central High School. I had the opportunity to travel to Washington DC for the second year in a row with Project Stan. This is my second time traveling there with them and I enjoyed both experiences. During the trip, we was able to visit the US Capital, Washington
Monument, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, National Air and Space Museum, the African-American Museum, and Harvard University. It was amazing being able to revisit those places and it felt really meaningful, especially the African-American Museum and Harvard University. With the African-American
Museum, you're able to read about our history more into depth. It's interesting. and so interesting to the point it makes you want to further the research on your own once you leave. Howard University motivates you to want to be successful since it's kind of known as the black Howard. I mean not black Howard but black Harvard. My bad.
You see the environment even people from Memphis who are thriving on the campus land you know is more than it's more than Memphis and it's possible to thrive in new surroundings even when you're in a new area. During the trip, we had people speak to us and one of them said something that that I felt made a impact
on me. He said that you can't try to lead people in acting a certain way when you're not even presenting the qualities yourself. And that really hit me because you have to be a good example. And so if you're a good example, people are going to want to follow it. Another thing somebody said there was to do something
that you truly love. It's not good to go to a place that you hate every day. And you want you're going to want to do something that your heart truly desires and mind truly wants. The lecture overall made me made me remind it reminded myself that life is getting serious soon and that I'm about to enter a new chapter of my life and I have to
be careful with the habits and decisions that I make and taking advantage of any advice given to me. Overall, I'd like to thank Project Stan for allowing me to attend Washington DC two years in a row and giving students the opportunity to experience something like this since most people do not have the opportunities to gain new perspectives
or learn history besides in a classroom. Hey, my name is My name is Brenda Ward. I'm a 12th grade at Raleigh School. Uh, today I want to talk about Project Stan. How I went to the DC trip twice in a row. And each time I went, I saw Huh.
Take it off. And each time I went, I seen the the reaction on people's faces coming from Raleigh and all over Memphis and all over Shelby County. Everybody's reaction was different. Everybody's reaction was empowering. And as you seen from my project stand brethren right here, his he's very well spoken. His persp his his perspective changed in
such a way that inspired me and inspired everybody else that hears his story. And I was really it was really a blessing to go to with Project Stan and see all the different like changes and and stuff like that. And so that's that's it. Thank you gentlemen. The next three
Styles Andrews, Gregory Stallings, and Dr. Tra T Travis Wade Jones. Are they done right now? Can we find out if any of those are in overflow, please? >> Okay. Okay.
>> My name is Dr. Tavvis Wade Jones. Um address is 3350 North Tresvent, Memphis, Tennessee 38127. Um the topic is uh the naming of the new school. Again, my name is Dr. Travis Wade Jones
and this is my 26th year in education. As a teacher at Tresbin High, I stand before you today with a heart full of pride. Pride for a school that shaped generations, built champions, and gave a community
and identity. This past October, our community came together to vote on the name of the new high school. I was an active participant in this process. There were four names. Um there was four names on the ballot
and three of them at this time I don't um I don't see to uphold the integrity of this voting process. I just want to ensure that all of the nominations are properly uh considered because tresment's legacy is just too powerful
to be diluted. Thank you. again. I have Styles Andrews and Gregory Stalins. They are Who is? >> Yeah, I need >> Stall. Okay, Tresman, TGA, President Gregor Stalis,
3350 North Tresman Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38127, United States, new school name. Good evening members of the board of education. Good evening community and superintendent watch Richmond. If you don't know me, my name is Gregory
Stallins. Again, when it come to Treasure High School in the new name, remember my face. Tonight, I am not speaking for myself. I am speaking for the scholars who will walk through those halls of this school for the next 40 to 50 years. Tonight, you are deciding between Bay High School
and Fraser Trees Community School. To some this may seem like a decision about a name but to students this a decision about opportunities, resources and the future we are being prepared for. The name Fraser Tre Community School represent history and
that history should be always respected. Bay High School. I had to do my research. The name Bay High School has some positives as well. But however, the decision tonight is not just what we named the school. the decision about what opportunities and the pride
students will have when they walk through those doors in 2027. On the behalf of student body, we ask you to choose the option that give us students great the greatest opportunities, the strongest future, and the best chance to succeed. Let's not
just name a school tonight. Let's we ask you let's build a future. Respectfully, I represent and support the the name Treasure High School. Thank you for your time, your commitment to the students of Treasure High School in Memphis Sherwood
County Schools. And again, my name is Gregory Stalins, president of class of 2028, the first graduating class of the new Treasure High School. Thank you. Okay. Um, I have Dr. Yolanda Robertson, Dr. Sicily Wilson,
Gerald Katie Bailey, Dr. Dr. Yolanda Robersonson, 3350 North Tresvent Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38127. Again, good evening, Superintendent Richmond and members of the board.
Again, my name is Dr. Yolanda Robertson. And I think you all would agree that a name bears significance. So, a school name carries a legacy. There is a certain amount of history, pride, and identity that is passed down through
generations at students of students, families, and classes. Think about it. All of the love, joy, bragging, right shared at class reunions and graduation ceremonies. As an educator for the last 15 years, this is my seventh school in
within 15 years. I chose Tresvent. I was not made to come to Tresvent. I chose to be there. And as an educator, I do my best to give my students voice and choice within the classroom, showing them that there is their their voice matters, oftentimes when they feel as if
they are just in the room. At Tresmond, we implemented the democratic process every chance that we get when decisions need to be made. So, in October of 2025, as my colleague just stated, the democratic process was implemented and to vote on the name of the new school.
The process included students taking several weeks to do research about the community and possible names that exist and no longer exist. After which stakeholders came, they met and they decided upon four names to be voted
upon. Three of them I have not have not been shared. So tonight I am asking in consideration that we implement the democratic process things that we've taught all of our students with integrity. And again as you look at my
shirt why not Tresin. Thank you. Sicily Wilson 8881 Walnut Ridge Loop Cordova Tennessee. Good evening board and community. My name is Sicily Wilson and I'm a parent at Grahamwood Elementary School. I'm here today to share ongoing concerns about the quality
of instruction and professionalism in the fourth grade optional classroom. We have made we meaning the parents have made every effort to address these concerns appropriately. We have followed the chain of command, communicated respectfully, and adhere to protocol.
Despite this, complaints that were submitted to HR were dismissed against this particular teacher as unsubstantiated. At the same time, multiple families continue to observe consistent classroom patterns that raise concerns. These
include inequitable participation practices where some students are regularly called upon while others are consistently overlooked as well as inconsistent disciplinary responses. Several parents
have independently identified similar patterns of unequal treatment among students. I understand that some may view these concerns as minor. However, patterns of exclusion and differential treatment, what many would recognize as
microaggressions, can have a lasting impact on a child's academic experience and sense of belonging. One student who has been targeted by this particular teacher has been evaluated by a psychologist because he began having night terrors. When my own son had this
teacher two years ago, he also had bouts of anxiety and trouble sleeping. We don't want to wait until a teacher calls our child a racial slur or mistreatment drives one of these children to harm themselves before someone does
something. So I ask you, when parents follow the process, when when concerns are documented and when patterns are consistently reported, what accountability measures are in place? What recourse do families have when
their concerns and efforts to protect their students are dismissed? Thank you. >> Uh good evening everyone, members of the board. Uh my name is Gerald Haley. Um I'm a father. I'm at 1738 CI Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38117.
Um, and I also am a parent at Grahamwood Elementary and fourth of a fourth grade student. Um, I'm here tonight to address a critical breakdown in equity and possibly federal compliance at Grahamwood Elementary. While we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the principal and the counseling staff who have been vital
allies in my son's education, their efforts are being systematically undercut by a classroom environment that treats a medical condition as a character flaw. My son is profound is a profoundly gifted student with a documented IQ of 135 and a legally mandated IEP for his ADHD. Despite his
high aptitude, we are watching his academic record being dismantled. This is not a result of a lack of ability or a difficult curriculum. It is the result of a pattern of partiality and disdain from one specific educator. Currently, my son is being penalized with failing grades and conduct marks for behaviors
that are direct documented manifestations of his disability. Board members, when an educator uses a student's disability as a basis of disciplinary action or grading, they aren't just showing bias. They are failing to implement the federal protections imple guaranteed by the
individuals with disabilities and education act. The discrepancy we see in his grades today is not a reflection of his intellect. It is a direct reflection of an environment where a teacher's prejudice over overrides a student's civil rights. Furthermore, we are seeing a documented pattern where these disciplinary choices and grading
inconsistencies disproportionately impact students of color. No student should ever have to overcome their teachers lack of compliance just to receive a fair and equitable education. As our representatives, I am formally asking for a review of this teacher's
grading practices and their adherence to my son's IEP goals and accommodations. We need more than just an acknowledgement of these concerns. We need corrective action to ensure that my son's potential and the potential of any other student who passes through that classroom is nurtured and not stifled by
an equity. Thank you for your time and your attention. I have um Kim Stewart and I believe that um Rochelle Hurt is Are you Miss Hurt? >> Yes. >> Go ahead. Uh again, my name is Michelle
Crawford Hurt. I am at 5517 Tylertown Avenue. I am a proud 1984 graduate of Frraasier High School and a member of the Frraasier Outclass alumni committee and I represent many alumni who strongly
support preserving the name Frraasier High School, a name that has stood with pride at 1530 Dellwood uh since 1949. Frager is more than a building. It is a tradition, excellence, and legacy. That
same spirit allows us to stand here today, not divided, but open and ready to welcome the Tresvent High School community. Together, we have an opportunity to to build something for the future generations. We are grateful
for the investment being made in Frraasier. This new school represents progress, hope, and opportunity. Because of this, the name is critically important. It will shape the school's identity and how it is perceived for
years to come. I if retaining the school name Frager High School is not possible, we respectfully offer a united alternative Frasier Trees Community High School. This name honors both histories
both and respect both communities and represented unity and not division. It sends a clear message that when two institutions come together, we stand strong as one. However, I must express
strong opposition to the proposed name, the bay. While it may sound modern, those of us who have kn have lived in this community understand that it has a deeper meaning and it is tied to a painful past marked by crime and hardship. It should not reflect and it
does not reflect who we are if it reflects who we uh what we've overcome. Our students deserve better and so do our community. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. So I have Kim Stewart and then Liz Marble.
>> Good evening board. Kim Stewart, 2694 Whitney Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. I am a proud 1980 graduate of Tresan High School. The face of Frasier of the Frasier community is changing rapidly. In an area 20 years ago that suffered
countless blight, we are now experiencing exponential growth. Now, about 10 years ago, I have never heard that Frasier was called the Bay Area. I've been in Frraasier for almost 50 years of my life, and 10 years ago was
the first time I heard Bay. I am asking that the board please consider the name of the new school, Frasier Tresvent Community High School. Let's not use local colloquialisms, slang names, or nicknames for a school
that has the potential to be the one of the best schools in Memphis, Shelby County. Let's create a legacy that all of us can be proud of. Thank you. >> Thank you. That is the end.
>> Yeah. Good evening, Liz Marble. Um, I have to think of our address. We just moved 171 Glenn Rogers uh Street, Sweet B. Thank you. Uh I stand here tonight before you as the humble president of the United Education Association, an
affiliate of the Tennessee Education Association and the National Education Association, over 3.2 million members strong. It is with this dedication and this group of teachers locally, that we are proud to say we took over a 100 children to the state capital during
spring break. We are here today to thank the district and thank the legislators that helped make this possible, but also our membership. The membership is dedicated for student advocates and to make students teachers of tomorrow. We know that there's a
critical teacher shortage across the country. And so through our student advocacy programs, our students get to go see their educators advocate. And therefore, we're hoping too that they will become educators to take our places one day. We're deeply thankful for Dr.
Luster and Dr. Richmond for their continued partnership and to make this the second annual trip. And we will continue to dedicate our funds to make sure that we increase from four charter buses to make from two last year to four this year, hopefully six, eight. And we
want to take more and more children to have the opportunity as you heard them speak tonight. These are life-changing events for them. We need them to be our leaders, not only in our schools, not only in our local government, our county government, but also our state. And we would like to see the president of the
United States one day be from Memphis Shelby County Schools. Thank you all. That ends our public comment section for this evening. Thank you for all of the public comments. We're moving on to approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. 8.1 Approval of minutes of the
February 24th, 2026 business meeting. The minutes for the February 24th, 2026 business meeting have been distributed and placed on the MSC board docs for public viewing. Are there any corrections to the February 24th, 2026
board business meeting minutes? There being no corrections to the February 24th, 2026 board business meeting, may we approve the minutes as distributed by general consent. >> I move that we approve 8.1 the approval
of the minutes of February 24th, 2026 business meeting. It has been moved by board member Murphy and seconded by board member Williams that we approve the February 24th, 2026 board business meeting minutes. Mr.
Jenkins, may I please have a roll call vote? >> Board member McKis. >> I. >> Board member Garcia. >> I. >> Board member Porter. I. Board member Murphy. >> I. >> Board member Love. Board member Otay.
>> I. >> Board member Williams. >> I. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> I. >> Board Chair McKinn. >> I. >> You have eight in the firm. >> The meeting minutes of February 24th, 2026 are approved. The next item is 8.2.
Approval of the March 18th, 2026 special call me meeting. The minutes have been distributed and placed on the MSCS board docs for public viewing. Are there any corrections to the March 18th, 2026 special call meeting minutes?
There being no corrections, may I please have a motion for approval of the special called March 18th meeting? >> I move that we approve 8.2, the approval of the minutes of March 18, 2026 special call meeting. >> It has been approved by board member
Murphy and seconded by board member Williams. May I please have a roll call vote, Mr. Jenkins? >> Board member McKisik, >> I. >> Board member Garcia, >> I. >> Board member Porter, >> I. >> Board member Murphy, >> I. >> Board member Otay, >> I.
>> Board member Williams. >> Hi. >> Board vice chair Coleman. >> I. >> Board Chair McKenna. >> I. >> You have Aiden in affirmative. >> The meeting minutes for the March 18th, 2026 special call meeting have been approved. Next item is 8.3. approval of
the minutes of the March 23rd, 2026 board work session meeting. They have been distributed and placed on the Memphis Shelby County Schools board docs for public viewing. Are there any corrections to the March 23rd, 2026 work session meeting minutes?
Seeing no corrections, may I please have a motion to approve the minutes of the March 23rd, 2026 work session meeting. I move that we approve 8.3 approval for the minutes of March 23rd, 2026 work session meeting. >> Second.
>> It has been moved and seconded by board member u Murphy moved and B vice chair Coleman second. May I please have a roll call vote? Mr. Jenkins.
>> Board member McKisik >> I. >> Board member Garcia >> I. Board member Porter. >> Hi. >> Board member Murphy. >> Hi. >> Board member Love. >> Hi. >> Board member Otay. >> I. >> Board member Williams. >> Hi. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> I. >> Board Chair McKenna. >> I.
>> You have nine in the affirmative. >> The minutes for March 23rd, 2026 work session meeting have been approved. Moving on to the next item. That would be 9.1. That is superintendent
grants, gifts, and donations. I don't have any tonight, Madam Chair. >> All right, moving on to reports. Board chair's report. We are aware of the continued murmurss regarding the pending interim audit report and the expected release date. As
this board has mentioned many times, we welcome the feedback and look forward to reviewing the preliminary observations. I am sure we all have the same goal in mind, the continued improvement of our district on behalf of our students.
Given this, I will refrain from speculating about what's in the interim report. Like the board, administration, and general public, I will simply wait to read the report in its entirety. Then we will roll up our sleeves and work together to fix any system challenges
brought to light. We applaud the work of Dr. Richmond and the staff for supporting the auditors, including pulling documents and adhering to many other requests while still moving our district forward. I will also note that the business systems review from the
superintendent and his team has provided great insight and identified a path forward for operational improvements. We welcome the additional input. And with that, we'll move on to the next item of business, which is the committee reports. I'll just take this up. Do we
have any reports this evening? All right, we have one report from the budget audit and finance committee. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Um um it's the audit audit, budget, and finance committee. Um during our
committee meeting earlier this month, uh we spent the first hour walking through budget 101 to help educate the public on how the district's budget is developed. This included a highle breakdown of how funds come in and how they're allocated across major spending categories. So
thank you to the team uh for doing that uh as a refresher to the public who we are seeking input. We also reviewed our fixed and mandated costs and discussed that the current budget gap of 36 million is driven by projected expenditures exceeding projected
revenues. Uh the district is maintaining a healthy balance. We acknowledge that there's going to be some upcoming decisions uh that may be influenced uh by potential investments from the county commission. Uh Dr. Richmond and the team will take the next step by re-examining
the numbers in detail and bringing forward recommendations to help balance the budget. Uh the committee is expected to reconvene on April 15th or 16th pending board availability. So board, if you have not submitted your availability, please do. Um we're going
to do a more detailed line item budget. Uh in the meantime, uh colleagues, if you have not set up some time to walk through the budget with Chief Langston in preparation for that, I encourage you to do so. Um so all of your questions and concerns can be reflected in that
agenda. And that concludes the budget audit and finance report. >> Are are there any questions, board members? Seeing no questions, I believe we have a report for community outreach and engagement. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um this past weekend, I would like to thank my
colleagues uh Vice Chair Joyce Coleman and Commissioner Porter for uh joining me and Alvin Crook with the gun safety uh control classes that we had this weekend. We were allowed to speak and we were allowed to learn how to safely put
our guns away and we we also um worked with the community to help them with learning how to safely put the guns away and not to touch the guns. And so I want to thank my colleagues for being there, for speaking. It was a good event and I think that it should have been more people there. So I appreciate you and
thank you so much. >> Are there any questions? Seeing no questions, we will move on to the superintendent. >> Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh last week we participated in the state board
education accountability hearing in Nashville uh representing Memphis Shelby County Schools alongside our principles, board leadership, our district team along with yourself, Madam Chair. Uh these hearings are part of a new statewide process in which districts
with schools that are identified for improvement are required to present on school performance, spending decisions, and strategies for improvement. MSCS was called to uh present regarding 14 schools identified for support in
addition to the three identified charter schools. The conversation was professional, constructive, and focused on solutions. We were able to clearly outline our root causes impacting our schools, the systems we have in place, and the strategies we are implementing
moving forward. The discussion also highlighted the importance of alignment between district and state accountability measures. I'd like to ask Mr. Bill White to present a quick overview of the district's two
accountability models. We want the broader public to understand there are now two accountability models. There are two accountability models, including how they align with both state and federal
accountability. Mr. White. Thank you, Dr. Richmond. Good evening, board members. Um, as Dr. Richmond stated, I'm going to make this pretty quick and hit some highlights. Uh what you have before you are several slides that do go into further detail um
that you can certainly review uh at your leisure and as always if you have questions um you can contact me and I will um respond. Um last week as Dr. Richmond said there was a lot of
attention on school accountability. And so, um, last week was really based on the state accountability model and school letter grades. Um, but what we're having to do now is navigate both
models, the federal and the state. The state has been around for about three years. In other words, our schools have had three years worth of letter grades. I'm going to spend a little bit of time on this slide and then some other slides give some more detail and I'll just kind
of go quickly past those. But basically on the left hand side of this slide you'll see that the federal accountability model um involves achievement where it looks at ELA and math only. It looks at growth with a TV
to composite that's based on literacy and numeracy or ELA and math only. there that this is where uh chronically out of school comes into play um or chronic absenteeism. It's where the graduation rate comes into play. And in past years,
there was a ready graduate indicator. But the reason I've highlighted that is that uh as of just a couple weeks ago, the state is replacing that with the college and career readiness rate, which is actually part of state accountability. I'll get to that in just
a second. And then federal accountability also includes the ELPA, the English language proficiency assessment, which is basically um how are our students who are English learners doing? It's the
federal accountability model where you will hear things like CSI, priority, TSI, ATSI, and that's the model that um creates those designations. When it comes to the school letter grades, that
is a state accountability model which looks at achievement. But what's different here is it's achievement for all subjects, not just ELA and math. It's a TESS for all subjects. And then they have something called the growth 25, which is a TESS level for the lowest
25% the lowest performing 25% of students in your school. the college and career readiness indicator which is somewhat similar to ready graduate and again in the federal accountability model they're going to use the same one that's in the state model and it
involves how well students do on the ACT or the ASVAB or earning industry credentials or getting postsecary credits. So on federal, remember I said you're going to have CSI, ATSI, designations like that. The outcome on
the state accountability is just strictly a letter grade. And and I would like to also add for the board and the broader listening public, we did not find out what letter grade schools were going to have until December.
We did not find out what the letter grade for schools were going to be until December. And so I want people to understand when this data trickles back, we'll get a set of data in the summer, we'll get a set of data in the fall, and
we'll get a set of data in December. and we're expected to be able to immediately pivot and to address these schools being that we now have two accountability models. Bill.
>> Yes, sir. Thank you, Dr. Richmond. Um, so for example, when those letter grades come out in December, it's obviously reflecting the data from the year before. All right, this is the piece where I'm not going to go into a high level of
detail. You can see those indicators for federal accountability that I listed. This gives you a little bit more information on those. And then, like I said, this is where those designations come from. Um, one designation that gets
included when they have these other designations, you'll remember because we often celebrate them here are is the reward schools. reward. Interestingly though, is not a federal accountability designation, but the state has created
that designation and uses the federal accountability model to determine who those reward schools are. One thing I do want to touch on though is even though you have all those indicators like chronic absenteeism and ready graduate, all of that stuff I
listed for federal accountability, when it comes to CSI and priority, that is really only based on proficiency levels or what they call the success rate in ELA and math. And what they do is they they rank all of the schools from top to
bottom in the state based on those proficiency levels and they look at the bottom 5% and who whomever whatever schools are in that bottom 5% those are the ones that get designated as CSI or priority. I I think you're seeing so far
how complicated all of this can get and there are different rules for different things. Now let's switch quickly to state accountability. Remember this is for the letter grades and as I said it has the components of achievement, growth and
growth 25. Achievement is 50%. For K8 schools growth or TESS is 40% and then your growth 25 basically the TOS of those bottom 25% of students is 10%.
It's a little bit different in high school where there's that college and career readiness measure. So it gets 10% growth 25 still gets 10% and then TOS becomes 30% because of the inclusion of CCR.
Again here's some detail that I won't go into tonight but you've got it in your slide deck if you want to really dig into this a little bit further for each of these measures. I wanted to make sure you had this information. And then finally, what I want to touch
on are um the criteria for the accountability hearings where a school district or an LEA that has at least one public school for which that school received an F letter grade two years in
a row or went from a D to an F. That is the um LEA that uh has to come before the state board for an accountability hearing. If you have one or more of those, that final criteria says during
the it has to be at a time uh other than uh in other words, there hasn't been a prior hearing for two consecutive years. Well, this was the first time ever they had done these hearings. So, that criteria isn't applicable yet. it will be applicable in the future. But this
was the first time ever the state of Tennessee, the state board of education had ever held these hearings and the schools were based on these criteria. So 15 LEAs in the state or 15 school districts met those criteria of having
at least one school that went from D to F or stayed F for two years in a row. You can see our schools listed there. There were three charter schools. charters are a little bit different where if they meet the criteria, that individual charter school has to
actually appear for a hearing. All of the three that were um in this category were from um our district in terms of ones that we have authorized. And what you can see in parentheses is whether they went from a D to an F or if they
had two Fs in a row. The asterisk indicates whether the school was CSI or priority under the federal accountability model. So what you'll notice here is yes, there's some overlap because there are some schools that have an asterisk, meaning they're also
priority, but there are also some that do not. So the two don't necessarily mirror each other as Dr. Richmond was saying in his opening comments where you can be priority and not be on the DF list or vice versa or you could be on
both. Um there are a couple of slides in your deck that were this this actually comes from a a a small brief that score in Tennessee did. I'm not going to go through this because it basically summarizes what I've already told you.
It goes in a little bit more detail, but I wanted you to have it. So that again is a very high level overview. Um and um you know anytime you want to hear more I'm happy to help.
>> Thank you. Thank you Mr. White for that presentation. And again board members we wanted to lift this for both you all as well as the community. Uh we know last week that there was a lot of conversation about uh I really hate to refer to our schools as as failing schools, but there was a lot of
conversation about this new accountability model. So I wanted to bring this information before you. We know we probably need a longer work session uh to really uh dive deep into what this means. the team and I will be
uh pivoting and doing what we need to do to address both accountability models. But we did want to communicate that first of all, this is new. This is something that we're having now to prepare for uh that we weren't aware of
uh in in the sense of it being something new. Uh and so this is new. We didn't get the grades until uh December. So, we've been spending time since December preparing for these uh hearings. Uh and
so, this is a new accountability model. This is something we didn't uh expect to be coming down the pike. uh the state when I spoke to some of the people representing the state, the state is trying to work with the federal uh department to see if there's a
possibility for us to just move to state accountability versus having to address both accountability models. So, I wanted the state and again the larger community to be aware of what this entails. Thank you.
>> I have a question. board member left. >> Thank you, Bill Wright, for this presentation. It's confusing. Um, what do we need to change? Um, I say that because
all schools are not created equal and we need to do something different for these group of schools. What um I have a question for the
superintendent. How many more schools are rated D? and what were we going to do for them? >> Excellent question. We've started working with those schools that are D
schools and letting them know. That's why I chose to take all 14 principles along with us to the hearing so that now our schools that are either D or F schools can understand the severity of this new accountability model. Uh so
we're addressing it. uh we'll have to create really another subset of schools. As you all know, we have our CSI schools. So, the team and I are talking about making these what you would call uh priority accelerated schools where we've got to accelerate these schools
and talk to them about you cannot regress. You have to move uh forward to either being a D or a C. uh we're talking to them about what that would mean when you look at student achievement. Uh gone are the days that
growth was something that the district uh worked to obtain. Now what we're asking schools to do, uh our number one proficiency measure now is student proficiency. Student proficiency really
kills two birds with one stone. If students are moving toward proficiency, and we're hitting what you're call what you call your absolute accountability, which are your AMOs, you're going to get growth. So now it's about proficiency.
Uh even though growth is a measure when you look at this new state accountability, schools have to hit proficiency rates. >> Um and this is just to the community, our kids are not failures. They come
from the community which is a failure to them. I get so sick and tired of the adults blaming the kids for nonsense and they don't have any control over.
Our kids are trying their hardest. Wake up hungry, go to bed hungry, and they still try. Give them a sandwich. Give them clothes. Give them a ride to school.
Our kids are not failures. And I'm sick and tired of the adults saying that. >> Thank you, board member Love, Board Member Murphy. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, my first
question is, what is the time frame for them to improve the letter grade? So the time frame would be in a few weeks students would be taking the TCAP. >> So these students would be taking the TCAP. That's why I preface the
importance of our letter grades do not we do not have a full complete picture. And again, I don't want to ever make excuses, but the district does not have a full complete picture of how students have done academically
until December. Uh, I listen to the board talk about uh my contract and talk about accountability and waiting until the summer, but the summer is still not a complete picture of where we are
academically. We get a set of data in the summer, we get another set of data in October, and we get the last set of data in December. We did not know what letter grades were until December. It's
what you call kind of a a a holistic rubric where they're looking at growth, they're looking at TEAS, they're looking at proficiency, they're looking at chronic absenteeism. There's a lot of metrics that are being looked at and those grades do not come
until December. So when students take the test in two weeks for TCAP, two or three weeks, those data will be used to determine the letter grade that we will not get back until December.
>> So in December, we get the scores and some of our schools have not met the grade level or have not improved. What would be our next step? >> Our next Well, we want to still use the data to be informative. We sometimes try
to use what's called predictive data, but even the predictive data will not tell us if a school is going to be a D or an F. We could assume that it's going to be a D or F and it could come back as a C. So we're we're continuing to look at the
data but also what I want you all to understand is when you have these various accountability measures it becomes also difficult for us to work with principles around what exactly do I need to do to achieve the level that I'm
trying to achieve for my students in school to be successful. So the other thing that we're working with schools on these next couple of weeks is looking at who are your students that were below proficient. So that's your bottom 25. How do you help move those students into
the next category which is approaching? And for those students who may have been approaching, how do we help those students move into proficiency? And so that's what we're working with principles on around that that strategy and really looking at every single
student and looking at where they are academically. >> Thank you, Dr. Richmond. I'm glad you explain explained that because that's been the topic of the media lately is what we're going to do with these 14 schools. Uh, Bill, thank you. This was a good presentation and I look forward to seeing how we're going to move forward.
Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. >> All right. I have board member Porter, then board member Williams. >> I think you clarified a bit when your remarks to um board member Murphy, but he said, "Where did this data start? Like what year what year are we
calculating the um the 14 schools?" Because I know we said we you said we didn't know about it and so but the data had to come from somewhere and they got you know this the state had it so what years are we talking because I know the former superintendent um she had um like soup schools >> right >> sore schools and it was one more school
I can't section I can't think of so is that data coming from from those years up into where we at now? >> Yes. So you have three years of grades. This year we got our third year of
grades. Uh where you have letter grades. So three years ago we started to receive letter grades. What you would assume is that I'll use Mississippi for example. By September, Mississippi has their
letter grades back where they know what the letter grade is really at the beginning of the school year. Also, if you look at Mississippi's model, I can ask a student, I can ask a principal, what do you need to achieve a A, B, C,
or D letter grade? And even though we showed you all some metrics, when we really start to look at like success rate, when we look at kind of some of the the growth and as well as cut scores, we talked about today in cabinet cut scores. This year a cut score could
be 35. Next year the cut score this spring the cut score could be 38. So the the needle is always being moved either up or down. Up or down. We never know because the the the tests are what you would call norm reference. And what you
want when you're talking about a norm reference test is you want a bell curve. There's no way they're going to allow everybody to be to the right of what you would call a bell curve. So there's a distribution. We're finding many of our
students are in the approaching range. But if you're moving the cut score two or three points, I could be below proficient this year and based on the cut score this year, next year I could be proficient. So that's uh when you're using data uh
with some of the psychometry that's being used, we have to be strategic, but sometimes you never know where students are going to fall. And that's why I want I'm gonna speak to the media now. I want people to really be careful about continuing to say that our students are
failing based on one test, one moment in time. Sir, >> our teachers work hard. Our students are working hard. And I'm going to give you an analogy. If you go back and you look at No Child Left
Behind, I'm going to tell you how the politics of this works. Under No Child Left Behind of 2001, they said by 2014, 100% of the schools would be proficient.
When the politicians found out that some of your suburban, rural, and other schools would not be part of that 100%. You then got what was called the ESA waiver. And what the ESA waiver did was it made
it where every school did not have to be proficient by 204. And then another metric was created through federal accountability where you had focus reward and priority schools and where an algorithm was created to
have a bottom 5% which is relative accountability. You got 1700 worth roughly 1,750 schools across the state. You will always have a bottom five%.
Always. You'll always have a bottom 5%. And it's always going to lean more toward your urban context and black and brown children. Please stop telling our
kids in schools that they are fel. No other community will allow. No other community would allow for it. But yeah, appreciate that because that the media does need to know that as well. But um so again
um with with this model like like the schools like when we had the soup the night and the source schools who was responsible for those um the low performing schools like when we had that model I'm going going three years back up until now because I just want to try to see how how do we not get out in
front of because I don't want to use the language that we're we're being surprised. >> We only used that model for one year. Prior to that model, we had an academic model based on grade bands where you had instructional leadership directors and
you had associate superintendent and those associate superintendent were assigned by gradeband the elementary, middle, and high school. Last year we had Soar, ignite and soup schools.
Then this year we move to a new model which is the regional the regionalized approach where we have and we've pulled out our CSI schools where Dr. Fox is working with those schools that are priority. This is the first year the
first time where we've had to address schools making a F twice or schools going from a D to an F. This is a brand new accountability model and going before the state board. The state board
is now playing a more uh involved role in schools where before the state board of education mainly helped to set policy. Now they are. That's why when you start talking about state takeover, I don't understand why the general
assembly is talking about state takeover because those components are already built into TISA legislation where you have to account for your failing schools. If we have to continue to go back before the state board, they can
also say as part of our corrective action plan that we have to have a forensic audit for these schools and how we're spending the dollars. That's why I said on record at the hearing, fidelity of implementation becomes important
because if we're spending dollars on curriculum, on some of these supports, if a forensic audit is had, when people come in, they want to see that there's fidelity and implementation in every way that we're saying we're spending our
TISA dollars. So to answer your question, in the last three years, we've had three different district delivery models. Okay. All right. Does that answer answer your question? >> Yeah, it's all good. We can we can roll on.
>> All right. Um, board member Williams, do you still have a question? >> Yes. If you have been around as long as I've been around, we've seen this before. The state came into this district and took over the schools and put it what they call the ASD and all of them failed. that they were their schools. Every school that they
established did poor and as long as they control the data of the Memphis and Memphis city schools, they are happy. But they are not happy with the Memphis City Schools outperform the other schools in this state and they will do anything. They will not stop until they bring down the Memphis City Schools.
That is the point. That is I was educated in this school system, graduated from Melrose High School and taught here for 50 years. So I do know what we are capable of doing. We've created a school system that was superior to what they had. And what did they do? They cut it out. Closed it
down. They stopped the the way you we used to get books. It was a statewide thing. Everybody had to cut that out. They've done everything they can in the state of Tennessee to destroy Memphis Shelby County Schools, particularly at Memphis City Schools. It is not new to us. I came through this system from 50s
to the 70s. So, I know what happens in Memphis City Schools. And I know I taught in Knoxville where it was all white school. There was no more learning going on there, but they were high level performing schools. So it is all designed by the state of Tennessee to make sure that Memphis, Shelby County as
we call it now, Memphis, will not get the gratitude or the the the that they should get and they do everything in their power to impugn our children, our teachers and our school systems. And it is not going to work because we're not going to stand for it. We know this
game. We've been here before. >> Thank you, board member Williams, >> with um let me um I had the the pleasure to go up there and I wanted to let board members know as well that um you're asking the right questions cuz one of the things that they are absolutely
looking for is how we are helping to support these 14 schools. They ask very specific questions about what we are doing. And so that aligns with um I explained to them that we do that during our business system reviews. We do that during our academic committee
meetings, but they are very very interested and I'm looking forward to us working with Dr. Dr. Richmond and his team to come up with a um a process and procedure that we are we are focused on those particular schools because we have
to do the corrective action plan and they are going to be looking not only at the administration in terms of accountability but they're going to be looking at the board in terms of how we are supporting them in the accountability. So I appreciate this and I'm looking forward to working with um
the board and Dr. Richmond and his team. Board member Garcia. >> Thank you. I just want to make a comment that I'd like to request that we revisit the investments that we would need in our upcoming budget in a couple weeks or our budget discussions. So, we are
clearly calling out investments that we are making as owners of the budget. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. >> All right. Board members, as you know, we have a special call meeting coming up at 7:15. We are at 7:04. So, I would
like to propose that we try to get through um the the um new board business with the policy and the um consent agenda so that when we return, we're only dealing with those last few items on the agenda. All right.
Okay. Moving on to the item of business um proposed first reading. It is recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approves the following suspension of section A1 of policy 105 superintendent evaluation.
That is that we are moving the um time that we have to have performance objectives done for the superintendent to the end of May. Before we can do that, they're asking us to suspend. We need to suspend the policy that requires two readings. So, I will ask for for us
to approve this tonight. So, I will ask for a motion to approve suspension of the of section uh a motion to approve suspension of the first reading of a policy. May I have a motion to approve suspension of first reading?
>> I move to suspend the first reading of this policy. >> Second. It has been moved by board member McKisik and seconded by Vice Chair Coleman to suspend the policy that requires two readings. May I please have
roll call? Mr. Jenkins. Oh, just one moment. Oh, that was okay. Thank you. Go ahead. >> Board member McKis. >> I. >> Board member Garcia. >> I. >> Board member Porter. >> Board member Murphy. >> I. >> Board member Love.
>> I. Board member Otay >> I. >> Board member Williams. >> I >> board vice chair Coleman. >> I >> board chair McKenna. >> I >> we have nine in the firm. >> All right. We have suspended the policy on the first read for first reading. So we will be the recommendation is to
approve the extension um till May 31st for us to approve performance objectives for the superintendent. May I please have a motion to approve the following extension of
section A of policy 105 superintendent evaluation through May 2026. May I have a motion? I need a motion to ex to extend the time for the performance. So move that we extend the time for the performance
review. >> Second >> performance objectives. >> That is correct. Okay. >> Exactly what >> I have I have a motion by board member McKisik and a second by board member Murphy.
Roll call vote, please. >> Board member McKisick. >> I. >> Board member Garcia. >> I. >> Board member Porter. >> Hi. >> Board member Murphy. >> I. Board member Love. >> Hi. >> Board member Otay. >> I. >> Board member Williams. >> Hi. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> I.
>> Board Chair McKinnon. >> I. >> You have nine in the affirmative. >> All right. We have we have suspended that policy and the performance objectives are due by the end of May. All right. We are next on to the consent agenda.
Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> I so move that we cons approve the consent agenda. >> Do I have a >> second? >> I have a motion by board member McKisick. I have a second by board
member Love. Mr. Jenkins, could you please take a roll call vote? >> Excuse me, chair. >> Yes, >> my my light. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. Before we do that, she has a discussion item. Okay. just would like to acknowledge as a part of the consent. I didn't want to read the whole resolution because we heard it at the work session,
but I wanted to acknowledge uh our wonderful student Mark Williams. There's a resolution in there that we talked about last week where he will be applying to represent Memphis Shelby County Schools at the state level with the state board of education and he's vying for that position. So, I just wanted to say I wish you all the best. Mark, why don't you stand up real quick
and just wave at everybody? But, uh oh, he's got a little one. And so, thank you so much, Mark, for uh being an amazing student for Memphis Shelby County Schools. No problem. >> Seeing no other lights on, >> may I please have a roll call vote for
the consent agenda? >> Board member McKisik, >> I. >> Board member Garcia, >> I. >> Board member Porter, >> I. >> Board member Murphy, >> I. >> Board member Love, >> hi. >> Board member Otane, >> I. >> Board member Williams, >> hi. >> Board member, excuse me, board vice
chair Coleman. I >> board chair McKini >> I >> you have nine in the firm. >> The consent agenda is approved. At this point in time, I'm going to call a recess and we will reconvene at 7:15 in about 5 minutes for special call meeting.
Good evening, ladies. Ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Shelby County Board of Education March 31st, 2026 special called meeting. It is 7:16. Mr. Jenkins, please call the role. >> Board member McKisik
>> here. >> Board member Garcia >> here. >> Board member Porter >> here. >> Board member Murphy >> here. >> Board member Love >> here. >> Board member Otay >> here. >> Board member Williams >> present. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. Board Chairman McKenna >> present.
>> We have nine in the affirmative. >> We have a quorum. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and take action on the approval of the termination of the interim superintendent contract and declaration of a vacancy, approval of the
superintendent permanent contract, and approval of the resolution establishing a framework for collaborative audit remediation and operational excellence. Only items on this agenda will be discussed and no other business will be discussed or acted upon. Could everyone
please stand for the pledge of >> allegiance of the United States of America to stand? >> Thank you. You may be seated. Next on the agenda is public comment. In accordance with state statute, the board shall reserve a period of public comment
during business and special called meetings. Only those members of the public who submit public comment cards to the board chair prior to the commencement of this meeting shall be permitted to address the board. Public comments will proceed in the order in which the public comment cards are
received. A signup sheet for public comment is available 30 minutes prior to each applicable meeting and will be closed at the start of the meeting. This signup is located at the entryway table just past the security checkpoint. Speakers must
state their name, organization he or she is representing, if any, and subject of their comment before they are permitted to proceed. Speakers may offer objective comments about school operations and programs that concern them. Speakers are asked to address the board and not the
individual board members given we make decisions as a body and to refrain from using names of personnel or names of persons connected with the school system particularly when lodging a complaint. Speakers will not be permitted to engage in gossip, make defamatory comments, or
use abusive or vulgar language. The chair shall have the authority to terminate the remarks of any individual who is disruptive or does not adhere to board rules regarding public comment. There are four speakers. They will be allotted two
minutes each. The first is Kelvin Meek. I'd like to say good evening first. I'm Kelvin Meeks from Mitchell High School, the principal, and I'm speaking in behalf of our superintendent.
One of the things that I know about him, he's consistent. He's a model of consistency. He's been in the district for a while and that says something. If you've been in any district over 30 years, that that says you're consistent. He's one of the
people that you can talk to as a superintendent. A lot of time they are off limit. Not Dr. Richmond. Dr. Richmond will come talk to you. He comes to your school if you ask him to. He said he'll tell you if you can make it, if he can make it, if he cannot make it.
That's a model of consistency. And I'm just here to say this. I really do believe that we need that in the district these days. We need consistency to move forward. Thank you. >> Next speaker is John Bush.
Good evening, board chair. My name is John Bush, 7900 East Chevy Drive, 38125. I'm the proud principal of Southwind High School. I'm here tonight to speak on behalf of our our superintendent, Dr.
Rodrik Richmond. So when I think about leadership and we think about where we are now as a school district, ever since Dr. Richmond took over in January of 2025, I had the opportunity to work with him because I was in a different seat as the uh president of the principal
association. One thing that quickly came to mind through uh our first meeting and conversation with him, but how much knowledge he had about the ins and outs of the job of the district. He's been in in the district for over 30 years. And when you think about where he served, he
started out as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, supervisor, CAO, all of that is experience and knowledge that we need in this district. I don't have to tell you all uh what's in the news and and what's out there, but when
you think about someone to steady the shady the ship, someone to make the the tough decisions that need to be made, but also that has a passion for this city that we live in. I've been in Memphis since 1988,
and Memphis is my home. But when you think about leadership and someone leading it, you have a Mephian who bleeds for this city. Um, who understands what he's doing, who understands where we need to go. One thing that I don't think that everybody
knows about him, we had striving schools years ago, which is now our zone, which is successful model. He started that. He led that work. So when we think about academics, when we think about attendance, when we think about attitude, when we think about um the
arts, all of those things that's a part of his plan that he exudes is who Dr. Richmond is. So I just simply believe that he's the right man at the right time to continue this work and he's definitely steadying the ship. Thank you
for your time, >> Stephen Hunter. Good evening. Dr. Steon Run, 4950 Fairley Road, and I stand to you as the proud principal of Fairley High School. I rise today in strong support of Dr. Roger Richmond as our superintendent. Quite simply, he's already doing the
work. Uh, day in day out, Dr. Richmond is showing up, making decisions, supporting educators, and putting systems in place that center student success. This is not a promise of what he might do. This is evidence of what he is doing right now. In a district like ours, progress does not happen overnight, but it does happen with
consistent committed leadership. And that's exactly what we're seeing. And to interrupt the momentum now would be to disrupt the very progress we've been asking for. Our students need stability. Our teachers need consistency. And our community needs to know that when someone is doing the work, we recognize
it and we stand behind it. And so uh I have no doubts about uh the fact that we need to extend this contract. It'll affirm the fact that we value him. We value results. We will value his leadership and we are serious about moving forward, not starting over. Thank
you. >> The final speaker and and please bear with me. Eric Revy, is that correct? Brit. Oh, Brent. >> Thank you. Good evening, uh, board
members and board chair. I Eric Brent, the proud principal of Tresman High School, 3350 North Tresman. I'm here to express the sentiments for Dr. Roger Riz as our superintendent. Effective leadership in education requires vision, integrity, and deep
commitment to students, families, and educator. Dr. Richmond has consist uh consistently demonstrated these qualities through his dedication to academics, athletics, arts, attendance, and attitude. Strong leadership sets the tone for entire district. It requires
listening to the community, making thoughtful decisions, and also staying focused on what matters most, student achievement and well-being. Dr. Richmond has shown that he understands the responsibilities and is committed to moving our schools forward. Our scholars
deserve stability, strong leadership, and clear vision for the future. I strongly believe Dr. Richmond brings the experience and the commitment necessary to continue and strengthen our district and supporting the success of all our scholars. We really need Dr. Richmond to be in
this seat and I yield my time. Thank you. >> Thank you. That was the last public speaker. We are moving on to the next item of business. Request for action. 6.1. Termination of interim superintendent contract and declaration
of a vacancy. The recommendation. It is recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approves the termination of the superintendent interim contract and declare the office vacant. Do I have a motion? >> I move that we declare the office
vacant. >> Second. It has been moved by board member McKisik and seconded by board me vice chair Coleman. Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion, Mr. Jenkins,
please take roll call vote. >> Board member McKisik, >> I. >> Board member Garcia, >> I. >> Board member Porter. Board member Murphy. >> Board member Love. >> Board member Otay.
>> I. >> Board member Williams. >> I. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> I. >> Board Chair McKenna. >> I. >> You have nine in the affirmative. By um unanimous vote, we have the approval of the um termination of the
interim contract and declaration of v vacancy has been approved. Next item of business, approval of superintendent permanent contract. The recommended action is is recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approves the superintendent permanent contract. Do I
have a motion? I so move that we accept >> approve the contract. >> Second. >> It has been moved by board member Love and it has been seconded by Vice Chair
Coleman that we approve the superintendent permanent contract. Do we have any discussion? Board member Porter. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. um through the share to the general counsel. What is well I guess I um address both of you
guys. What is the urgency or the time frame to get a contract done and when is the the interim contract? What now that we cancel but what time frame would that interim contract be canceled and and to madam chair what is the urgency right now to um to get this done?
>> Madam chair, do you want me to take the the the first question first and then I'll allow you to respond to board member reporter? Okay. Thank you. board reporter. Uh to answer your question about the time frame, uh the the current interim contract uh expires at the end of uh June of this year. However, um one
thing I would point out because there is a general election statutoily um the board cannot make any decisions on a superintendent contract 45 days before a general election or 30 days after. So, in reality, the the time frame uh to
enter into a a contract that would extend beyond uh June 30 of this year would be whatever 45 days out from election day. I think it's August 6, so mid mid June, I think, would be the the realistic timetable. And I'll def I'll defer to the chair for to answer the
second part of board reporters. Does that does that answer your question? So you're saying out after June, we wouldn't we couldn't um vote to extend or renew a contract after June given the statutory that you're talking about. >> So the the contract would naturally expire in June 30. Um, so that'd be the
the the contractual end date of of um the current contract. But again, there's a statutory prohibition on um the board uh approving any contract within a 45day window before the general election, which in this year would be I think it's
August 6th. That's right. >> And there's also a 30-day you can't do anything 30 days after you seat. Is that correct? >> That's correct. Um to answer your question from from my perspective, this is my my perspective.
Um we voted on February 11th to appoint the superintendent permanent superintendent instructing as a unanimous board for our general counsel to um to negotiate the contract. The general counsel did as we instructed and that process was he met with each and
every one of us personally and asked us what we wanted in the contract. it was um our understanding that that was done and it was ready to come forward. So that's one we we did we made a decision and we moved we moved towards that. The
next thing is is that um I think Superintendent Richmond put it very well and I think we're not going to sit here and act like we're going to put our heads in the sand. We need stability and we have that. We also understand that the superintendent has done everything
that we've asked him to do to continue to prolong this after we have appointed and him does not make any sense to me. Um but again I am one of nine. So um again in this process if you recall this is not something that I can just do. I
pulled all board members and asked board members did they want to have this meeting and all board members said they wanted to have this this meeting or the majority of the board members wanted to have this meeting. So um and this meeting was very clear that it was to
approve the superintendent permanent contract. So again I don't I I I um am not going to put my head in the sand about what we have impending. We have been told by our superintendent um and by the the meetings he's had up in
Nashville. We've all been told very well that they need to see stability and Dr. Rod Richmond has provided that. So I am saying here today that I'm ready to approve his permanent contract. So
that is that is my urgency. I don't know about anybody else's. So I hope that So I have Murphy and then I have Love. >> Well, hold on. I was going to do a followup to that. And so, um, but again, this it still doesn't speaks to the the urgency, um, given that we do
have some things coming down from Nazria. Still a lot of uncertainty that's happening around pretty much everything we do. We talked about data tonight. We were just informed tonight about some surprising data that we got that we're having from 14 schools that um that super that superintendent just
um acknowledged that it was surprising to the whole district district. So, not negating the fact that we we have been doing the work and and we'll continue to do the work. What I'm saying, I think that it's it's still some lingering questions. I do I have um instructed general counsel to to implement some
things in this contract. So, I know for a fact that we hold um us hold the district and superintendent as well. But again, I still don't don't see the urgency behind making this decision right now when we've already told the public that we're going to keep it as an in interim status until we fully can
align um on the way we want to move this district. >> I I I I appreciate your opinion and I hear you and it is noted. Thank you, board member Murphy and then love.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, it seems like to me that you're not respecting the board's authority and you're not respecting the the board's judgment because I'm still my head is still wrapped around we just
voted last week and here we are again voting again. You're bringing it back again. Same thing happened with ABM. So now we're back again with this with with Dr. Richmond. Like I said before, I don't have a problem with Dr. Richmond. But when we are selecting a superintendent, it is most important. It
is and I'm going to stress this. It is most important that we have responsibility as for as a school board as a whole school board. I don't take that lightly when we're trying to select a superintendent. Uh this decision is
about personal is is not about personalities or preferences. It is about loving our students enough to ensure we are or or we have the strongest possibility the possible Mr. I'm going too fast possible leadership
for our district. As a board member, I believe we should allow the data to guide our decisions, including achievement data, growth data, post-secondary readiness indicators, student engagement trends, special
education compliance data, attendance data, discipline trends, other key measures of district performance. Some of the information will not be fully available, and we understand that until later this year. But at this point,
Madame Chair, we are 18 hours away from an audit to be released and to make this decision right before that, I think it's it's preposterous to me. I can't speak for the board, but I can speak for me. It's preposterous.
>> Board member Love, then McKisik, Garcia, and Williams. >> The audit has nothing to do with the superintendent. Nothing. Nothing.
>> Nothing. >> Is that it? Board member L. All right. Board member McKis. >> Thank you, Chair. I want to speak in support of Dr. Richmond serving the capacity as our permanent superintendent, which this
board voted upon back in February. This is about what's doing what is best for children and for the educators of this district. This is not for me about any other outside forces. And I think of
the majority of board members up here. I think I'm one of the ones who has the right to say that I could have pushed back on this for a lot of reasons that came to bear over a year ago. But I have looked at what is best for this
district and what has transpired over the last year and getting over whatever personal emotions there may have been over a year ago to look at really what this is about which is educating our children. And I am not going to put the
weight of decades of challenges for this district some of which was inflicted by what's happening in Nashville. what's been happening in Nashville for many, many, many years on this one single individual. That is simply not right and
it's not fair. And there is no way that this community can tolerate another search. We went through that for 18 months and I'm just not willing to do that to our children as we are two
weeks out from testing. You don't think this impacts children? That is my concern. They hear the chatter in elementary school. They hear and they understand. And so that's why I am casting my support for Dr. Richmond
tonight. I think he spoke very demonstratively about what he has to deal with as superintendent and what we have to deal with as a board and as a community. And I believe that he is more than capable to move us forward in that regard. Thank you, >> board member Garcia.
>> Thank you. Um, I probably worn our general counsel out. Um, I think what I said last week was this all comes down to having a contract that has teeth in it. And in my opinion, it does. Uh, my leadership position has
always been getting two solutions focused on meeting the moment we're in. Um, and understanding how we put a contract in place that does not cross the line of governance. um in terms of uh what we want to see to be true. Uh
we've talked a lot about political position tonight, but I I want to draw attention to something that we actually never put in a contract. Um for the first time, we have operational efficiencies as a required metric for
the superintendent. Um, if you you have access to the the contract on our our board docs, page four says the the parties agree uh if the superintendent receives two consecutive annual evaluations reflecting unsatisfactory results in the areas of student
achievement and business and finance, the board shall have the option to terminate this contract for cause as provided in paragraph 13C. And so for folks who who uh so you're rush you're you're rushing. We are putting
mechanisms in place to take into account the preliminary audit findings. Um tomorrow is a draft. This work is ongoing. I understand there's another $1.7 million of work.
The we do not know when we'll have final audit results. Um, beyond this, it's it's more than one person for me and I talked to a lot of teachers and I think like Michelle, we stood in on a different side about a
year ago. Um, we have 13,000 employees. We're 6 weeks from graduation. We're 8 weeks from the end of the school year. And some of the previews we've seen in this operational excellence plan that Dr. Richmond has
proactively given us is that capacity, turnover, vacancies are at the core of some of the things we need to improve. And we need to signal to our educators, we want you to stay in Memphis Shelby
County Schools. We want all of the talent in this room and all the talent listening and depending on stability uh to know that we're working towards that. But this is this is unlike any
contract we've had in over a decade. Um and he accepted those terms. Um, we we have to meet the moment and the public will be able to hold us
accountable because they know we have this ability to do so for for him and it's our it's our time to signal stability. Thanks >> board member Williams.
>> Without any debate, I am calling for the question. Ask certainly certainly the Rod Richmond could walk out the door tomorrow and we would be in the worst shape we've ever been in. Now that that is just true that you could it's hard to be a prophet in your own lane. He's done
the work and I'm calling for the question. >> Do I have a second? Second. >> It has been moved and moved by board member Williams and seconded by Vice Chair Coleman that we call for the
question previous question. May I please get a roll call vote? >> Board member McKisik >> I. >> Board member Garcia >> I. >> Board member Porter pass. Board member Murphy,
>> pass. >> Board member Love, >> I. >> Board member Otay, >> pass. >> Board member Williams, >> I. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman, >> I. >> Board Chair McKenna, >> I.
>> Board member Porter. >> Yeah. Abstain. >> Board member Murphy. >> Present. Not voting. Board member O. >> I All right. Chair, you have seven in the
affirmative. Um, and one person not voting, one abstain. >> I have seven. So, that motion carries. So, that means that we're going to go to the original motion on the floor. That original motion is to approve the superintendent's permanent contract. May
I get a roll call vote, please? >> Board member McKisik. >> I. >> Board member Garcia. >> I. >> Board member Porter. I >> All right. We called for the previous question and we were on the superintendent approval contract. So now
it goes to vote. >> This is a voting for the approval of the permanent contract. >> All right, I'll restate it for you all. It has been recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approves the superintendent permanent contract. We
are now taking a roll call vote on that. Board member McKiszik. >> I. >> Board member Garcia. >> I. >> Board member Porter. >> So I just want to make a quick comment. No. What's up? >> No. Well, no. That's out of order. No. >> I say so. No. So I say um
>> board member Porter, please stay with the process, please, that everyone has to adhere to. Please vote or not. >> Well, I definitely understand. No, I understand the process. >> We need to vote, >> but a couple a couple other meetings we got. We need to vote. We need to vote. Out of order. Please vote.
>> So, given the fact that I did, I inserted I inserted those amendments in the contract, which I do agree is a good amendments within the contract. I'm vote. I'm going to vote yes to this contract. >> Thank you. >> In the in spirit of we're definitely going to hold some. >> Thank you. Thank you. Next.
>> I due to the changes. >> Board member Murphy. >> I didn't >> I said I due to the changes. >> All right. Uh board member Love. Uh if I uh >> board member Otay >> I didn't get to speak last last round
but I am agreeing to this due to the changes as well. >> Board member Williams >> I >> or vice chair Coleman >> I >> board chair McKinley >> I >> have nine in the firm >> Dr. Rod Richmond is has a permanent
contract as the superintendent of SH Memphis Shelby County Schools. I have to one moment. There being no more business of the special call meeting, it is Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. We have one more resolution. We
have one more resolution. Mhm. It's in there. All right, y'all. We got a little excited. We got one more thing. Let's do this. One more thing. 6.3. Approval of the resolution establishing a framework for collaborative audit,
remediation, and operational excellence. Recommendation is recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approve the resolution establishing a framework for collaborative audit remediation and operational efficiency. Do I have a motion? >> I move that the board approve this
resolution for a framework for collaborative audit remediation and operational excellence. >> Do I have a second? >> All right. Board member McKisik, would you like to read that? >> I will read into the record and we can proceed from there.
Whereas the Shelby County Board of Education, the board recognizes that operational excellence and fiscal responsibility are foundational to improving student achievement and organizational effectiveness. And whereas the board is committed to utilizing audit findings as a critical
tool for identifying growth opportunities, strengthening internal controls, and driving continuous improvement. And whereas the board seeks to establish an an accountability framework for the timely remediation of audit findings as an essential element of its governance practices and the
superintendent's performance expectations. Now be it therefore resolved that the board and superintendent shall be jointly accountable for establishing and executing a rigorous transparent process for addressing audit findings as set forth in this resolution. One, upon
receipt of the preliminary and final audit reports, the superintendent shall analyze the findings and provide a written highle summary to the board within 30 and 45 days respectively. Two, within 30 days of providing the summary of the preliminary report and 45 days of
providing the summary of the final report, the board and superintendent shall jointly review the summary and identify three to five priority audit issues that present the greatest operational, legal, and/or fiscal risk to the district. Three, within 30 days of identifying the priorities from the
preliminary report and 45 days of the final report, the superintendent shall submit a corrective action plan addressing each agreed upon priority. The plan at a minimum must include the following. A a clear description of the finding and its root causes. B specific,
measurable, actionable, timebound, and sustainable corrective measures with realistic completion dates and incremental milestones. C. Assign department leads and individuals responsible for implementation. D. Key performance indicators, KPIs to
measure incremental improvement. E. Specific internal controls to prevent recurrence. F. Required resources. Eg. Budget personnel. G. Policy recommendations to support remediation and/or prevent recurrence. Be it further
resolved that the board, barring documented, unforeseen, external, or legislative obstacles, shall hold the superintendent accountable for implementing the corrective action plan with fidelity. This includes providing quarterly progress updates to the board and ensuring that relevant reports and
supporting documentation are made publicly available for transparency. Be it finally resolved that the board may engage an independent third party with expertise to assess adequate progress towards each agreed upon priority using attainable measures that are mutually
agreed upon by the board and the superintendent. If a third party engagement occurs, the assessment shall be conducted annually/semianually and progressed towards remediation of the priority audit issues may be considered as part of the board's self
assessments and the superintendent's annual performance. on this 31st day of March 2026. Sponsored by board member Michelle McKesc district 1, signed by Natalie McKini, board chair, Shelby County Board of Education, and Dr.
Rodrik Richmond, superintendent, Memphis Shelby County Schools. >> Board member Miss Kissik, would you like to state anything as being the maker of the motion? >> I believe that resolution said it all, so I'll let us stand with that. I've got board member Otay, board member Porter,
and board member Garcia, and board member Coleman. >> Um, thank you for that, uh, board member Kiss. So, this actually ties into the previous item, uh, which this resolution, if you read in the contract, it says the intentional refusal by
superintendent to follow reasonable derivatives directives from the board issue via resolution the superintendent's evaluation. So, this resolution um kind of brought some clarity to what I was wanting to see within the contract as far as the information is going to be
brought forward with um the audit on tomorrow. So, this is enforcing that whatever we find in the audit, whatever the findings are, that the superintendent is going to take care of that and we're going to have a plan and make sure that anything that has happened previously that we're getting
those things fixed. Um, again, I mentioned that I didn't want that to be uh a hammer, be more so used as a flashlight so that we're making sure we're being fiscally responsible and doing what's best for our students. So, I do want to thank Michelle for bringing this resolution forward because that
actually made me feel a little bit better. I still want to see the end of the school year data. I know that we'll get some increases in in graduation rates. Uh, that was another factor for me. But I thank you for bringing that resolution forward, Michelle. Board member Porter. >> Yes, I was going to say the same thing
because I actually um read the resolution late, but this when we talking about accountability and then just just this is the board's decision. This is doing the work. We all have done great work just to get to this point. Like U board me said, we we've gone through a lot. So, I do want to thank
her for bringing this resolution forward because um I was in been in deep deep thought about this on how we can continue to hold ourselves accountable and hold a superintendent accountable. So, um I again that clause that board member um Garcia made, I implemented that clause because again we can't
continue to um not again I keep saying just not hold ourselves accountable. And so with with adding this clause, adding this resolution, I think it makes me more comfortable knowing that hey, we do have something in writing, something in place that we can uh continue to to do what we need to do as a district. So I'm
looking forward to seeing great work. Thank you, board member Porter, board member Garcia. Thank you. This um again, I think I wore out general counsel um with some specific uh things I wanted to see in
place and that is to hold Dr. Rodrig accountable and not only agreeable to it, eager to do so, um but it's also for the public. It's for the public to hold the board accountable.
Um we would be silly to not acknowledge that that there is still a rebuilding of trust. Um we are great at making plans, putting them on the shelf and say, "Okay, well what what happened?" Um we're letting you know that
once those that framework, those key high impact things that we focus on first, we are getting experts to not one single board member decide how much progress is is the right amount of progress on things that we need
expertise around. We are going to consult experts when we design these metrics and you should hold us accountable to say it's time for you uh to give to get a public update from the superintendent on how this remediation is going. Um it goes both ways. So this
is this is the right level of of accountability but governance uh how you do the work. We we expect you're going to do everything it takes but we're going to be focused on the results. So I'd like to sign on to this.
>> Board member Coleman. >> Thank you chair. I don't think anyone holds Dr. Richmond more accountable than Dr. Richmond does that. I don't think anyone in here can hold him more accountable than he does
every day for the work that he does. Uh, board member McKisik, will you sign me on to your resolution? Thank you. >> Board member Murphy. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, Dr. Richmond knows I am hard on him every day, every
second, every minute, every hour. If I see something I don't like, I send him a text message. If I hear something I don't like, I give him a phone call. So, he's used to me already. He's used to me speaking my saying what I need to say. And I'm always going to say what I need to say. Never will I sugarcoat it. Never
will I lie to you. But Dr. Richmond knows if I got a problem, I'm coming directly to him. And I need it fixed right now cuz I always tell him that fix it. My whole word is fix it for but for the most part he has been fixing it and
I I am grateful that we rearranged this um his contract. Doc uh Michelle I would like to sign on as well but he has been doing a great job but I am a stickler to doing things right and if it's not right I have a problem with it. So you'll always hear me fuss and I'm and you can
take that to the bank and before I take it back I'll add more to it. Thank you. You haven't you haven't you haven't been recognized yet. Hold on. Board member OT. >> Board member Williams.
>> Are you the question to go home? >> Okay. Did you just call for the question? >> I'm calling for a joint. You want that? >> No. No. >> All right. >> Call for that. I can move the >> chair. All right. Let's Let's >> Do we need to call for the question? >> Do we need to call for the question or
are there any other comments? Are there any other All right, because there are no more comments. Um, let's go ahead and vote on this resolution. Please add me to the resolution as well.
Let me restate the the resol the motion is to approve the resolution establishing a framework for collaborative audit remediation and operational excellence. Please call for your role.
>> Board member McKisik. >> I. >> Board member Garcia. >> I. >> Board member Porter. I. Board member Murphy. I. >> Board member Love. Board member Otay >> I. >> Board member Williams. >> No.
>> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> I >> Excuse me. Yes. >> Board member Williams, please let the record reflect he's changing his vote to yes. >> Okay. Uh board chair McKenna. >> Yes.
>> You have eight in the affirmative. We have approved the resolution establishing a framework for collaborative audit, remediation, and operational excellence. >> Oh, Stephanie. No. >> All right. We have now finished the business of the
special call meeting and it is before before we we adjourn this meeting. No, that's on the next. I would like to formally announce and introduce
Dr. Rod Richmond as the permanent superintendent of Memphis Shelby County Schools. All right, I'm trying to get us out of here. I apologize for that. Now, I am going to formally, seeing no further business, I am formally adjourning this
meeting at 7:58. Special call meeting at 7:58 and then we are going to we're we're coming back to our business meeting now. So, we can finish. We recessed it and we have a couple of more items to do.
All right, moving on board members. So, we can get out. We finished. >> We're not done. Staff staff knows we're not done. That's all the people that need to know. Yeah. Staff staff knows we're not done. Yep. All right.
All right. All right, I am calling the business meeting for today, March 31st, back to order. All right, we have requests for action. 14.1 Approval of the Public Public Consulting Group, Hamilton High School. Dr. Richmond.
>> Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. It is recommended to Shelby County Board of Education accept uh the statement of work agreement and funding of phase one comprehensive school analysis and phase 2 part one school turnaround professional learning plan implementation with public consulting
group and approved TDOE turnaround program expert in the amount of $125,000 which aligns with the funding structure provided through the state's support model. Do I have any questions?
Seeing no questions, may I have a motion to approve the public consulting group Hamilton High School? >> I move that we approve public consulting group Hamilton High School. >> Second. >> I have a motion by board member Murphy and a second by board member McKisik to
approve the public consulting group in the amount of $125,000. Seeing no questions, Mr. Jenkins, please call the role. Board member McKisik. >> I. >> Board member Garcia. >> I. >> Board member Porter. >> I. Board member Murphy.
>> I. >> Board member Love. >> I. >> Board member Otay. >> I. >> Board member Williams. >> Hi. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> I. >> Board Chair McKinnon. >> I. >> You have nine in the affirmative. >> Item 14.1 has been approved. Moving on
to item 14.2. Approval of the naming of the district. the dis naming of the district school. I want to make sure I have pull the presentation. >> Could you please pull up the presentation so I can see the the names
that were All right. >> So board members, we have two names that we are pulling from. So just to for the listening public, these were the items that were presented during board work
session. The Tresvent High School, Legacy High School, Bay High School, Frasier High School, Frasier Tresvent Community School. After discussion, the board members decided to weed it down to two names. Bay High School and Frasier Tresment Community School. So board
members, um I see I see that we have questions. So we have a motion on the floor. We're going to now take questions and I see the first one is board member love and then board member Murphy. >> I was making a motion.
>> Go ahead, please. Move that the new name of the school be Tresin uh Frasier Tresman Community School. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. It has been moved and seconded by board member Love and board member
McKisik that the naming the new school be named Frasier Tresvent Community School. Do I have any questions? I do. Love is the maker of the motion. She'll go and then Murphy. I just want to give y'all some history.
Seven years ago, I um myself and Bobby White and the principal of Fre uh Tresman High School,
uh Corey Kelly met in McDonald's and we disguised uh we made up a plan to convert a new high school, state-of-the-art high school into Frasier.
This board voted three years ago to close MLK Dam. And the school that the kids zone to is Tresin High School. It is located in uh
Frasier. That's why I name um I made a recommendation to name it Frasier Tresvent High School. the high school is torn down.
The uh high school that the kids go to is Tresvent. We are owning the reputation of the Frasier community and Tresvent High School.
Board member Murphy. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. The high school um preserves history, history of Frraasier, history of Tresvent. I think the only thing I would ask and I'm asking the board instead of community,
can we put the high school there? So when they get their transcripts, it says Frasier Tres High School. >> Board member Love. I think you did you turn on your >> I don't have a problem with that. >> Okay. >> Okay. Do we have to suspend the rules or
do anything? >> No, I think it's just an amendment. I think >> you call it the Frasier Tresman High School community school. >> Yeah, just the high schools just to to take the community out so that so when they get they their their diplomas it
says Frasier Frasier Tresvent High School. >> Yeah. >> Do you want to just go ahead? >> Yes. I wanted to inquire whether the having the name community in there had some significance like could another possibility be Frasier Tresbin Community High School.
>> Uh the kids thought of this name. >> Okay. So I want to honor then if we if we do that Frasier Tresbin Community High School to Is that something? >> So can I get a can I get an amendment to to that? So
>> hold on for a second. Porter Coleman. Oh, okay. Porter and love. Porter is this to to talk about this. Okay. Go ahead. >> Yeah. So, um again, I think I think I said last week or the last board meeting, what is the stipulation to for
it to become a community school? Like what do you have to change? Superintendent Richmond. Uh the community schools approach is a model that uh we've been implementing across uh the district uh where we're uh
providing wraparound supports for uh families in the community. Uh I think it makes sense if we want to name it a community school uh or if we want to just do Frasier Tresman High School with community school being uh the model uh
so to speak that it would be uh but it's it's totally left up to the board. Uh I think it's operational uh as we think about it is one of those things that operationally we can make it work either way. We know it's going to be a a high school. We have many schools like Bale
Forest. Bel Forest is an elementary school, but we also refer to it as Bale Forest Community School. Hamilton High School, we also refer to it as one of our community schools as well. >> So, I just I think I heard somebody say
it's not just the name, it's some other things to go along with it with naming the community school. >> Exactly. >> All right. Thank you. >> Okay. I see board member Murphy and then board member Long. >> No, do Dr. Mr. Richmond just said what I what I wanted to say just centering around community schools but still name
it Frasier Tresvent High School and use that community as the baseline board member love >> looking back I feel it should be um
Frasier Tresman community schools because we are merging two schools into one and it is a community school that all uh students will go to in the
Frasier area. >> Hold up for a second. Hold up. >> Yeah, just a moment. >> Yeah. Board member Murphy, your question. >> Um, >> it doesn't matter to me. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Okay, that was my question. So, can we have it as Frasier Tres Community High School? And that covers the whole thing. >> Oh, we got to make a motion. I got I got to make a motion. >> Just a moment. I've got more lights. And before we do that, board member Coleman,
>> I like the Frasier Tresman community for the wraparound. You You combining two and everybody's coming in on equal ground. That's just my personal opinion. Frasier Frasier Tresman Community School Community High.
Board board member >> board just a moment. Board member McKisik. >> Thank you, Chair. So, you got to I'm thinking about all those cute little cheerleaders and what they're going to have on their like uniforms. And Frasier
Tresman Community High School is a mouthful. And I it is what it is. It is a high school. That's a designation. And I think Frasier Tresman Community School in terms of marketing, it rolls off the tongue a lot better. And in a, you know,
I'm going to defer to board member uh Love, this is her district, but um you know, community, as vice chair Coleman said, community is not just about the program. Community existed long before there was a designated program that, you know, provided wraparound services. It's
a sense of belonging. And that's what community and how these communities have worked hard to come together. I remember that first meeting um that we had at the church in in in Frraasier. And so and the challenges that the families they were wondering can these two communities
which are so strong and so independent can they come together and they have done that and you work to help make that happen board member love because you pointed it out. You can't fix a problem unless you address it first. So they really built community and so I think Frasier Frasier Tres Community School
which was put forth by students I think we should honor that and it is a high school that nothing's going to take away it's it's going to be a high school but it's it's it's a community. last time. Board member Murphy,
>> I'm just going back to the original one that I say it's it's I'm thinking for the sake of their transcripts and then down the line we don't know what's going to happen 15 20 years from now somebody to say well that's Fraser Frasier Tres Community School is that a high school is it a middle school it it
could say that the transcripts that's why I asked that question it it it doesn't matter either or >> board member McKithic then board member. >> My last comment, I promise I'm just going to, you know, I'm not saying anything more, but there are plenty of schools and a lot of them are elite
private schools that do not have high school in their name. And we have Memphis University School, we have St. Agnes Academy, you know, those are all schools that have high schools and and trust when they're applying to schools, colleges will know that they are
actually in high school and graduating from from that. So, but that's my last comment. Thank you, >> board member love. it. Do I have a second for call for the question? It's been moved by board member Love and seconded by Vice Chair
Coleman to call for the question. Roll call vote. Mr. Jenkins. >> Board member McKis. >> Yes. >> Board member Garcia. >> I. >> Board member Porter. >> Hi. >> Board member Murphy. I >> board member love.
>> I >> board member Otay. >> I >> board member Williams. >> I >> board vice chair Coleman. >> I >> board chair McKenna. >> I. >> You have nine in the affirm. >> All right. We have passed the motion for calling for the question. That takes us back to the original motion. The original motion is it is recommended
that the Shelby County Board of Education accepts the proposed name of um Frasier Tresvent Community School for the new Frasier School. Roll call for the new school. Let >> It's getting very late. All right, I
need to have a roll call vote, please. >> Board member McKisik, >> I. >> Board member Garcia, >> I. >> Board member Porter, >> board member Murphy, >> board member Love, Board Member Otay, >> I. >> Board member Williams, >> I. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman,
>> I. >> Board Chair McKenna, >> I. >> Nine. You um you have nine in the firm. So, the new school is Frasier Tresvent Community School. Next item on the agenda is the resolution adopting local accountability
and transformation plan. Let me read the recommendation. Could you put it back to the Yeah, it is recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approve the resolution adopting the local accountability and transformation plan.
Do I have a motion? >> I move to approve the resolution to adopt the local accountability and transformation plan for Memphis Sha County Schools. >> Second. >> It has been moved by board member Otay and seconded by board member Williams.
So, do I have any questions? >> See, board member OT, >> it's definitely time for us to go home, but I just wanted to let everyone know that we did um put this to this meeting. We didn't pull it. Uh we put it to this meeting so that we can take any
additional recommendations from our board members, faith-based leaders, and also any legislators that wanted to receive input. So, now we're here and we're ready to make a vote on it. All right. Seeing no lights, roll call vote. Mr. Jenkins.
>> Board member McKisick. >> I. >> Board member Garcia. >> I. >> Board member Porter. >> Hi. >> Board member Murphy. >> Hi. >> Board member Love. >> Board member Otay. >> I. >> Board member Williams. >> Hi. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> I. >> Board Chair McKenna. >> I.
>> You have eight in the affirmative. >> We have approved the resolution adopting the local accountability and transformation plan. Moving on to the next item, approval of the amendment goodwill excel agreement.
I can't read that. >> Yeah. It is recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approve an amendment to its agreement with Goodwill Excel Center Midsouth, Inc. to reflect the board's agreement to provide funding for up to 250 students for the first year of
operation for Goodwill Excel's expansion school scheduled to open in zip code 38128 in August 2026. Do I have a motion? >> I move that we accept this amendment to the Goodwill Excel agreement. >> Do I have a second? >> It has been moved by board member McKisick and seconded by board member
Garcia. Are there any questions? Board member Garcia, >> I just uh we had a few questions uh and I just wanted to highlight that we we
did get some answers. Uh one of the questions was why did why not alone? Um we are looking at operating capital. Um that was shared with me. Uh they're doing this to hire staff. Um I did ask a question though in last week's meeting.
um that the decision we have is if we leave this in the reserve, are we foregoing any potential investment income? And um Chief Link, I know you you got an answer on that. Was Could you share what that was?
>> Share share what that was for me, Mr. Langston. >> Uh thank you, Superintendent Richmond. Uh board members, I believe your question was if we were to if the board was to choose to move forward with this, what would be any investment income that
we would um forego? So um it's estimated this would be about $2.5 million. Um, if that money was to stay in our bank, I've calculated on an estimate that it would be about $156,000 that we would forgo for interest if we
paid out over time over a 10-month span of $2.5 million for this request. >> Okay. Thank you. And I I believe they've shared with you a letter of commitment, >> Chief Linkson. I believe they shared a letter of
commitment with you. I just want to make the board aware because we did ask that question and I want to make sure we got a public response. But um >> Yes. Yes, ma'am. So um Mr. Skylar, he shared a letter of commitment for the
interest with the general counsel and I >> So a general uh gift to the district as a we know this is a um an amendment to a contract. I I support this. I support adult education. The best way to put
them out of business is highquality K through2 achievement uh where we reduce the need for adult education. So I think this is an opportunity. It has my support and I would call the question if there are no other lights. >> We do have another light. If are you
going to are you calling for question? I have a light >> me. >> Yeah. >> For me? >> No. >> Vice chair co. >> Oh, go ahead. Okay. Vice Chair Coleman. >> Yeah. I have a question.
At the end of the year when it's time to they get the funding, Goodwill get the funding. Um, this is for you, I think. Has there been a conversation about them just reimbursing us or is this a continuous where we only get the
reimbursement if Goodwill closes? >> Uh, thank you, Vice Ch. I'll I'll have Mr. Langston, help me out here as necessary. Um, so the way that the amendment is currently drafted, it mirrors the obligations under the
statutory obligation to fund firstear enrollment. Um, and what that would mean, uh, and again, Mr. Langston can correct me if I'm wrong, but what that would mean is uh that we potentially if under that arrangement, we would not see
a return of that investment until I think the only option is the school closes. Uh and even then it I I think it'd be based on whatever the year before closure that enrollment, right? >> So So that's correct. So, I'll try to
explain this briefly in the best way I can. We're paid on prior years enrollment for either adult education or K12 education, which which means for Easy Math, if there are 200 kids or adults currently sitting in our space
today, we're going to get paid for them next year. So, um, by virtue of this location for Goodwill Excel, there's no adult students sitting there today, which means we won't get the the funding for them next year. We wouldn't get it till the following year because Tissa,
just like the BEP, is a lag year. The only time we would possibly get the money back is if for some reason just like we clo we closed for instance I'll takeam if Goodwill excel was to close at that timing of however many students are
currently in that school that year we would get the funding the next year. So where it it could be 250, it could be 100. It just depends on however many students be it adults are sitting in that location in that given year, we
would get the money the following year. That's how the funding works. >> Thank you, Mr. Langston. And and one so that would be under if the amendment were following the same statutory obligation. But what I would remind the board is there is no stat statutory obligation here. This is a contractual
arrangement. Um, so to answer your original question, has there been any discussion with Goodwill Excel to pay back the money after the first year? Um, no. Um, but again, the the way that it's
currently modeled is not statutoily obligated. That's just what was proposed as a as a funding mechanism. Thank you. Board member McKisik. I I wanted to call before I say that word and I'm locked
in. Where are our two colleagues who were here or three? How are we going to >> I don't know. >> Did they leave? >> Yeah. All right, we have >> Let's call the question. >> We have a call.
>> All right. Um, we have a call for the question. Do I have a I have a motion for a call for the question. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> It has been moved by board member McKisick and second by Vice Chair Coleman to call for the question. Can I please have a roll call vote, please?
>> Board member McKisick. >> Yes. >> Board member Garcia. Board member Porter. >> Yes. >> Board member Otay. >> Yes.
>> Board member Williams. >> Yes. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> Yes. >> Board Chair McKenna. >> Yes. >> You have seven in the firm. >> All right. So, discussion is over. Now, we're moving to the original motion. I will re read it. It is recommended that
Shelby County Board of Education approve an amendment to its agreement with Goodwill Excel Center Midsouth, Inc. to reflect the board's agreement to provide funding for up to 250 students for the first year of operation for Goodwill Excel's expansion school scheduled to open in zip code 38128 in August 2026.
That is the the mo the recommendation. Could you please take roll call vote? >> Board member McKis >> I. Board member Garcia. >> I >> board member Porter.
>> We're still we voting again. We still on good with XL, right? >> Correct. >> Yeah. Yes. >> Board member Otay. >> Hi. >> Board member Williams. Hi. >> Board Vice Chair Coleman. >> I board chairman Kim. >> No.
Okay, you have seven in affirmative, one n. >> All right, that that motion carries. The goodwill excel agreement amendment is approved. Moving on to the next item, strategic allocations.
This is the resolution. This is a resolution um approving the strate strategic allocation for March 2026. It is rec in the amount of $543,470. recommended that it the Shelby County Board of Education approve the strategic
allocations for March 2026. Do I have a motion? >> I move that we approve the strategic allocations. >> It has been moved by board member McKisik, seconded by board member Murphy. Is there any discussion? Seeing no discussion,
please take roll call vote. >> Board member McKisik, >> I. >> Board member Garcia, >> I. Board member Porter. Hi. >> Board member Murphy. >> Hi. >> Board member Love. >> Hi. >> Board member Otay. >> I.
>> Board member Williams. >> I. >> Board of Vice Chair Coleman. >> I. >> Board Chair McKenzie. >> I. >> You have nine in the affirm. >> That has been approved. Seeing that there is no further business, I am adjourning the meeting tonight at 8:24
p.m. Thank you.