Amaia Iratzoqui specializes in “research around the gendered causes and consequences of victimization, including domestic and intimate partner violence.”

Superintendent Joris Ray had a supervisory role over at least one of the women with whom he is alleged to have had had an affair, according to personnel files from the Memphis-Shelby County School System.

But they offered no more clarity on what exactly teachers can and can’t say about race and history.

Gov. Bill Lee’s appointment will replace current board member R. Brad Martin, if confirmed by the Tennessee state legislature.

A group of organizations representing some of Memphis’ brightest minds are working to expand access to STEM education for students who have been historically underrepresented in science-related careers. 

“There is a population in Lake and Lauderdale counties who have poorer health care outcomes due to difficulty accessing care,” said University of Tennessee Health Science Center Assistant Professor Diana Dedmond.

Okenwa Okoli received Florida State’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award for his work to recruit and retain U.S. students in STEM graduate programs with a focus on bridging the achievement gap for minorities.

Board chair Michelle McKissack announced that Ray will be on paid administrative leave while the investigation is being conducted. Deputy superintendents John Barker and Angela Whitelaw will serve in the interim.

“Starting today, we will work to help eligible parents enroll this school year,” Gov. Bill Lee said, “as we ensure Tennessee families have the opportunity to choose the school that they believe is best for their child.”

Memphis-Shelby County School board members will be reviewing allegations of sexual impropriety by Superintendent Joris Ray with former or current members of school staff alleged in divorce proceedings.

Lakeland School System Superintendent Ted Horrell will continue to lead the district after school board members approved unanimously a new four-year contract.

The Memphis college has been selected to receive a National Science Foundation grant for research that has potential to create more effective anti-fungal drugs.

After spending the summer training, the current corps of 50 future educators will soon begin teaching in their own classrooms. Each commits to stay for at least two years.

The Collierville Board of Education adopted a resolution in a special-called meeting on Thursday. The impetus for the resolution was disparaging remarks against teachers.

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools superintendent said he respects the board’s responsibility to conduct due diligence as it relates to violations of policies and he will cooperate in every way possible. 

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Schools superintendent admits to adultery in divorce filing

MSCS board begins external review of superintendent Joris Ray

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education will launch an external review following the allegations of impropriety by MSCS superintendent Joris Ray. 

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Schools superintendent admits to adultery in divorce filing

Three women were named in the filing. Two of the names match current or former employees of the district. The Daily Memphian is not naming these women because it could not confirm their employment with certainty.

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MSCS board begins external review of superintendent Joris Ray

Memphis-Shelby County Schools leaders put a positive spin on TCAP numbers released by the state Wednesday, July 6, saying they represent “unprecedented gains.”

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MSCS students making progress but TCAP scores are still low, data shows

Just over 20% of third- through eighth-grade students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools are meeting grade-level expectations in English Language Arts. 

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Suburban districts see varied TCAP scores

Suburban districts saw various improvements on TCAP data, released Wednesday. The third-grade retention law remains concerning for education leaders.

The question of the high school took a turn earlier this year after state legislation passed that would disallow Memphis-Shelby County Schools from operating the so-called 3G schools: Germantown elementary, middle and high schools.

The physiology department at UTHSC is one of the best in the country, but its facilities are among the worst. Faculty are expected to start moving into a renovated building by the end of next year.

The district revised HVAC guidelines and its list of preferred vendors before bidding federally funded jobs.

In trying to quickly spend $172 million, the school district made decisions that limited competition for contracts, favored certain vendors and helped push overall costs up as much as 40%. 

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Changes in specs excluded key HVAC vendors from MSCS contracts