Well, darn. The Central High band won’t be going back to New York this year to defend its title in the Essentially Ellington jazz contest. But after a year of triumph and tragedy, that won’t stop director Ollie Liddell from teaching “with (his) hair on fire.”

MSCS isn’t anticipating implementing remote or hybrid learning options available under state law.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members said they would soon determine permanent leadership for the district. But will it be by search or an appointment? 

The recent overhaul of the Houston, Texas public school district inspired Tennessee Republicans’ push to take over Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

For the past three weeks, nearly 35 MSCS schools have been without janitorial services because of the stalled contract.

The MSCS board’s new complaint makes a special case for board member Tamarques Porter of District 4 who “will suffer a unique harm.”

Roderick Richmond’s evaluation results — including teachers' opinions on the interim leader — are in. He took over the district after former superintendent Marie Feagins was removed by the board in Jan. 2025.

This time, the Musk Foundation has proposed funding upgrades at three elementary schools. 

Republican leadership did not say whether local schools or the Tennessee Department of Education would be responsible for verifying immigration status or where such data would be held.

Instead of expanding pre-K access, classrooms may close if Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris doesn’t release local funding, prekindergarten organization First 8 says.

Rachel Davis moved to Collierville because keeping her kids in the district was important. Now she’s seeking election to the suburb’s Board of Education.

Last year, 5,500 Shelby County students got about $45 million in public funding to use at private schools by participating in the state’s two major school voucher initiatives. Even more vouchers could be on the way.

Students at Lakeland Prep are preparing for a weekend robotics competition where an outstanding performance could earn them a spot in the state championship next month.

The City Council member and City Court Clerk died this past September. 

Only 84 students attend Ida B. Wells Academy this year, leaving more than 400 available spots unfilled.

Ron Brandon seriously considered leaving CBU, which he wasn’t sure would survive its troubles. But he stayed because of his devotion to his alma mater, and now he has plans to ensure that CBU survives and even thrives.

The Shelby County Board of Commissioners pushed Mayor Lee Harris to send more than $10 million in funding to local prekindergarten classrooms in a vote Monday, Jan. 12.

Commissioners decided Monday they want a lawsuit to stay in place and a court to put an end to the dispute over MSCS elections one way or another.

The Shelby County Election Commission will stop issuing petitions for five MSCS seats in response to an order from a local judge. 

State Rep. Mark White hopes Tennessee legislative leadership is “ready to move” on an MSCS takeover bill when lawmakers reconvene Tuesday, Jan. 13. 

CBU names Ronald Brandon, currently the school’s executive vice president and chief operating officer for administration and finance, as its next president.

The Education Savings Account voucher program was a signature issue for Gov. Bill Lee, who has supported additional school choice policies as a way for parents to choose higher-achieving schools.

Two schools will exit the nearly defunct, state-run Achievement School District this summer. Their fates lie with MSCS officials, who have yet to decide if the schools will remain open or be closed.

If lawmakers can agree this year, change could come quickly to Memphis-Shelby County schools, which is already primed for major upheaval in 2026.

Some Collierville and Germantown students will get Biblical education during school hours next year. It’s allowed by a 1952 ruling by the United States Supreme Court.