Collierville Schools is considering one way to address its hard-to-fill positions, but the Board of Education has strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

The Shelby County Board of Commissioners will review Mayor Lee Harris’ proposed budget on Monday, and it includes increased funding for the suburban school districts.

“The best way to know your priorities is to figure out where you put your money,” MSCS Interim Superintendent Toni Williams said. “Our students are our priorities, and I’m extremely proud of this budget.”

Among the findings of a recent audit of MSCS were that the district overpaid a vendor without approval from the school board, that a district employee allegedly stole thousands of dollars worth of lawn-care equipment and that one senior employee improperly received vacation time. 

Community activists from the Momentum Memphis Coalition called for action outside the MSCS school board.

An almost 3% increase represents the University of Memphis’ highest tuition hike in nearly seven years.

The DeSoto County Board of Supervisors began the process of cracking down on non-residents who file false information to benefit from the county’s services, particularly schools.

Arlington High students get first-hand experience in machine work under a program presented by Stryker Industries, Southwest Tennessee Community College and Arlington Community Schools.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Interim Superintendent Toni Williams responds to a former school board member’s allegations of corruption in the district.

David Stephens continues to rate high marks in his annual review as head of the suburban district.

Sheleah Harris, the former District 5 representative on the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board, made a handful of allegations in a statement to media that was sent Thursday evening. 

Several key pieces were included in the DeSoto County Schools annual budget approved Thursday, including school resource officers, along with classroom additions and new roofs.

The Shelby County Commission is now also tasked with appointing a member to the board for the second time since October.

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School board member resigns

The budget for the year starting July 1 has not been approved. Now, the board of trustees must also plan how it will replace the school’s president.

“This is the highest level of ignorance I have ever been a part of and for my own health I can’t be a part of it anymore,” MSCS vice chair Sheleah Harris said. 

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Banned activists suing MSCS board in federal court

The activists allege violations of their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. They are seeking “nominal” damages, a declaration that the ban was unconstitutional and an immediate injunction on the ban.

These awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. 

It’s fitting for a Collierville elementary school named Tara Oaks, that the idea for a campus garden would sprout from an acorn. Now kids are putting down the devices and getting their hands dirty.

The board plans to officially ratify their decision on the revised qualifications at a special called meeting Tuesday, June 13, before presenting them to the district’s search firm.

“It has been my honor and privilege to work alongside you. I’m excited to see the magic that will ensue as LOC’s renaissance continues,” Vernell Bennett-Fairs said.

Through the program, teachers will be immersed in two weeks of job shadowing, facility tours and hands-on activities at a Memphis business related to their field of teaching.

The Tennessee Department of Education released district-level TCAP retake data Wednesday, showing improvement in ELA proficiency among Memphis-Shelby County Schools third graders.

Ted Horrell’s evaluation as superintendent of the Lakeland School System continues to show high achievement as the district’s leader.

The DeSoto County School District is seeking an ordinance that would make it a misdemeanor for people outside of the county to enroll a student in the school district.

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools board of education will discuss interim superintendent Toni Williams’ contract during its June 20 work session.