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.

Overall, school officials have identified more than $400 million in deferred maintenance needed for the campus’ 133 buildings.

Chickasaw Middle could close at the end of the school year, one of five closures MSCS officials have proposed. The students would move to the Westwood High campus, making it a school for sixth-12th graders. 

Five incumbent Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members confirmed with Chalkbeat that they’re running for reelection.

The state law banning religious charters has not yet been legally challenged, nor has any lawmaker proposed legislation to amend the current law.

Memphis parent Chajuana Williams said she would miss the family history embedded at Georgian Hills Elementary if district leaders decide to close the school in June.

The University of Memphis has fired the head of its foundation, prompting the entire board to resign from the organization that oversees donations to the school.

Some suburban districts' grades were low due to Tennessee’s required growth for students with the most need.

Collierville is the only school in the area to offer aviation mechanics at the high school level.

About one in three local schools improved their letter grade, and one in five scored worse. 

Interim MSCS Superintendent Roderick Richmond speaks on possibly closing 15 schools, improving buildings and blight.