They’ll be able to get their shots during the same phase as Tennesseans ages 75 and above — and before those in the 65-74 age bracket.

The Republican governor wants the newly elected 112th General Assembly to convene on Jan. 19 to look specifically at education challenges during the pandemic. 

Gov. Bill Lee declared Pfizer’s vaccine “safe” as Tennessee gave its first doses to health care workers while recording some of the nation’s highest rates of virus spread. The Republican governor reiterated that the shots will be optional for people in public schools.

After years of waiting and debating, construction of Lakeland’s high school is underway an on schedule to open for the 2022-23 school year.

Shelby County Schools leaders recently revised how the Memphis district handles sexual harassment complaints after pressure from former and current students who championed the change starting four years ago. 

During a November video call with his algebra teacher, the 14-year-old had a terrible realization: There was a tab he never clicked on, where his teachers had noted missing assignments. Jalan, typically an A student, had 73 assignments in seven classes that were overdue. 

The University of Memphis law school legal clinic will be renamed in honor of James ‘Jim’ Gilliland Sr.

The grant is for a project at Belle Forest Community School.

CBU also delays graduation ceremony, with plans to honor graduates of both 2020 and 2021 at the Renasant Convention Center May 29, 2021.

After a five-year tenure in the Arlington Community Schools administrative offices, Tonya Hawkins is returning the Arlington Elementary, this time, leading the school as its new principal.

LeMoyne-Owen College has named Vernell Bennett-Fairs its new president.

Germantown’s community has prioritized safety and Superintendent Jason Manuel shared how that impacts its students and staff in its schools.

Collierville High School students will not return to school in January as the district previously announced.

The request would increase to about $50 million annually in the third year as the Memphis district hires more teacher assistants for students in K-2.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services child care assistance program for workers deemed “essential” during the pandemic expires Dec. 31. The state has no plans to renew the program.

The University of Memphis unveiled plans Monday, Dec. 14, for a plaque honoring Miriam DeCosta Sugarmon Willis, the school’s first African American faculty member. 

As parents of students attending Shelby County Schools grapple with how to handle in-person learning once it resumes, larger school districts elsewhere in Tennessee are making plans as well. Related article: Lopsided teacher/student ratio fuel differing decisions

Parents have made decisions about their children’s education for the new year, but a lot of the logistics are still up in the air. Related article: Tennessee school districts share staffing concerns

Granville T. Woods Academy was awarded a $320,000 grant from University of Tennessee’s Extension program. The STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) school was one of two grant recipients in the entire state.

Officials say SCS won’t resume in-person learning until February as coronavirus cases continue to rise.

Rep. Scott Cepicky’s bill would stabilize state funding in the 2021-22 school year at this year’s levels, even though a statewide decline in student enrollment this fall would normally decrease the allocation by at least $320 million.

Joretha Lockhart is the West Tennessee Grand Division Principal of the Year.

The options could include entering new charter school agreements, closing schools, or moving some of its 9,000 students to higher-performing schools.

Shelby County has about one primary care physician for every 1,200 people, according to Clint Cummins, executive director of the Memphis Medical Society.

Thirty-two percent of SCS students are expected to be in the classrooms when school starts in January, compared with only 17% of SCS teachers, who will mostly be working from home. Some say schools shouldn’t open at all.