Memphis School Board Votes on Charter Renewal for City University School

Memphis School Board Meeting discussing charter school renewal.

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News Summary

The Memphis-Shelby County School Board held a crucial meeting to discuss the renewal application for the City University School of Independence. Despite low enrollment numbers and a recommendation against renewal, the board surprisingly voted 6-2 in favor. The interim superintendent recused himself due to a family connection affecting the charter decision. The school, which has only 14 students currently enrolled, aims for increased enrollment in the coming years amidst discussions of a potential state takeover of the school board.

Memphis School Board Makes Waves with Charter Decisions

In an unexpected turn of events, the Memphis-Shelby County School Board convened for a critical meeting this week, just one week after the departure of Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins. With interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond at the helm, the board tackled important issues concerning local education, particularly the fate of the City University School of Independence.

Public Commentary Fuels Tension

The atmosphere was electric as public comments took center stage, but not without a hiccup! Activist Damon Curry-Morris made headlines when he was escorted out of the meeting by security for refusing to leave the podium. His passion for advocating equity and justice in the district has been a continuous topic of discussion, especially since he and a group of activists have previously taken legal action against the school board, successfully citing First Amendment violations.

The Charter Renewal Drama

The sole item on the agenda of this high-stakes meeting was the renewal application for a 10-year charter for the City University School of Independence, which has surprisingly only enrolled 14 students at present. The school originally opened with the capacity for 180 students in 2015 but is currently only serving one grade – the 10th.

For context, the City University Schools, the umbrella organization for this institution, brings in approximately $4.1 million each year. However, a staggering 72% of that revenue is earmarked for staff salaries, leaving City University School of Independence operating on a tight budget of around $100,000 annually. Despite the financial strain, the school boasted a commendable 100% graduation rate in the last academic year.

Conflicts and Controversies

In a twist of events, Dr. Richmond recused himself from the charter discussion due to a familial connection—his wife, Dr. TC Richmond, leads City University Schools. This move was necessary to address any claims of a conflict of interest. Nevertheless, despite a recommendation against the renewal from the Office of Charter Schools, the board took an unexpected stance and voted 6-2 in favor of approving the charter.

Board Chair Joyce Dorse-Coleman defended the decision, asserting that the recusal alleviated any potential conflicts and emphasized the board’s ultimate authority in the matter.

Future Prospects and Challenges

While City University School of Independence has not received a formal grade from the Tennessee Department of Education in the past two years due to its low enrollment, the new chancellor, Dr. R. LeMoyne Robinson, has expressed commitment to enhancing student numbers. Dr. Robinson envisions a gradual increase in enrollment, projecting growth from just 45 students in the first year to 90 students by the end of the charter term.

What Lies Ahead for Memphis Schools?

This meeting comes amid speculation regarding the potential state takeover of the school board, a commentary recently made by Governor Bill Lee, although no discussions have transpired yet. Meanwhile, plans are underway to explore new charter schools focusing on specialized subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and English literacy. Also on the horizon is a new all-girls school backed by the Memphis Grizzlies, further diversifying the educational landscape.

As the Memphis-Shelby County School Board navigates these complex waters, the community will be watching closely, eager to see how these decisions will shape educational opportunities in Memphis for generations to come.