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Amid federal funding uncertainty, Memphis schools could lose $17M

By , Daily Memphian Updated: July 07, 2025 4:00 AM CT | Published: July 07, 2025 4:00 AM CT

Memphis-Shelby County Schools may lose $17 million in federal funds it uses to pay for school-based translators and district-level staff who help educators improve their teaching strategies. 

Those roles support a significant share of students learning English and a growing number of early-career educators who benefit from instructional training. Improving teacher quality — in general and specifically for educators teaching students learning English — garnered bipartisan support from state lawmakers earlier this year.

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Memphis-Shelby County Schools Second Trump administration federal funding Subscriber Only

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Laura Testino

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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