Memphis-Shelby County Schools has a lot going on. Here are 5 things to watch.
Memphis Shelby County Schools Interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond has a temporary contract that goes through the end of July 2026. Students’ return to class on Aug. 4 marks the third time in the last four school years that a new academic year begins with an interim superintendent. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian)
Students return to their Memphis-Shelby County Schools classrooms for the 2025-26 academic year on Monday, Aug. 4.
With interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond at the helm, the Memphis school system is set for a realignment to his new visions that have so far included a shakeup to the leadership structure.
And the school year could be one of great change: On top of Richmond’s academic plans, the district will have to implement more changes for its lowest-performing schools. A state-funded forensic audit is commencing, too, and the district will be bracing for Tennessee lawmakers’ votes on state takeover legislation when lawmakers reconvene in January. After that, a new school board election season will take off.
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Laura Testino
Laura Testino is an enterprise reporter who writes about how public policy shapes Memphis. She is currently reporting from Frayser about education and housing. Please write her with your suggestions and story tips.
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