New MSCS plan could close schools with most severe maintenance needs
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins said MSCS plans to create a website for the public to track district facilities. The information would offer details from a recent outside assessment, as well as the district’s recommendation, and progress toward those goals, she said. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins suggested last week that schools with severe maintenance needs will be recommended for closure in her administration’s proposed facilities plan. School buildings with smaller maintenance bills may not have an immediate recommendation.
It is unclear when Feagins will make her recommendations, which would determine whether any closures happen in time for the 2025-26 school year.
Feagins has previously said she would offer a plan by April 2025, and use the results of the $2 million study to inform her suggestions. Results from that study are expected to give an assessment of each of the district’s 200 buildings and provide a cost estimate for restoring the building to a certain condition threshold. Costs could exceed $1 billion, officials have said, underscoring the financial pressure to align the district’s building portfolio with its enrollment.
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Memphis-Shelby County Schools Marie Feagins Subscriber OnlyThank you for supporting local journalism.
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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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