Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is propelling its plan to transform the educational experience for all MSCS students. During his 3rd annual State of the District Address, Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray delivered a progress report about the strengths and opportunities of Reimagining 901. This year’s address also outlined new support programs designed to drive academic achievement. 

“Our vision and dreams have been reimagined; we’ve come a long way and have a long way to go but we will get there if we work together,” said Dr. Ray. “The business of education is everyone’s business. We must all make education our priority investment."

FAST FACTS

• $11 million investment into our educators in the form of a $1,500 retention bonus for teachers and teacher-types, plus a $500 bonus for educational assistants.
• Implementation of a new principal step progression scale will begin in the 2022-2023 school year.
• Starting in August 2022, all students in grades 7 through 12 who qualify will be automatically enrolled in honors courses, based on class availability. 
• Our Strategic Partners for Literacy partnership will construct a strategic framework and identify high-level options to meet the overall goal – ensure literacy success by third grade for all students.
• The District has added 750 Specialized Education Assistant (SEAs) positions this school year, increasing the teacher pipeline.
• MSCS invested $5 million of ESSER funding to install filtered water bottle filling stations, removing 99.3% of lead from drinking water. 
• A new, hands-on internship program called Power 1000 will employ one thousand of our juniors and seniors.
• Our partnerships with Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Enterprises increased from 18% in 2020 to 24% in 2021.
• We are unveiling a new logo as part of our rebranding strategy, reflecting our geographic location and the families we serve.

Teacher Bonuses

Dr. Ray has announced an $11 million investment into our educators in the form of a $1,500 retention bonus for teachers and teacher-types, plus a $500 bonus for educational assistants. This payment is just a token to say “thank you” to the frontline workers of our classrooms. Furthermore, there will be a new principal step progression scale in the 2022-2023 school year.

Honors Course Expansion

MSCS is putting our students in position to bridge the achievement gap. Starting in August 2022, all students in grades 7 through 12 who qualify will be automatically enrolled in honors courses, based on class availability. This opens up possibilities for thousands of students who previously may not have had access to these types of courses. Our core teachers will also be provided training on honors level expectations and instructional rigor for the new year.

The following updates demonstrate progress in our goal to reimagine education, schools and communities.

REIMAGINING EDUCATION

Strategic Partners for Literacy - In partnership with key stakeholders, Dr. Ray has launched Strategic Partners for Literacy, a new initiative developed to enhance all literacy work done by MSCS and the 901 community. With the support of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Dr. Ray and stakeholders will construct a strategic framework and identify high-level options to meet the overall goal – ensure literacy success by third grade for all students.

Adult: Student Ratio - Dr. Ray vowed to create an environment where our youngest MSCS learners could thrive by reducing the adult-to-student ratio from 1:25 to 1:13. The District has added 750 Specialized Education Assistant (SEAs) positions this school year, increasing the teacher pipeline. Not only has this influx maximized our teacher's capabilities, but it's also increased kindergarten and first-grade students' gains on Mastery Connect (ELA) by double digits.

Academic Scorecard - MSCS continuously develops new resources to strengthen and support parent involvement with their child’s education. Parents can now track their child’s progress through our brand new feature, the Academic Scorecard.

REIMAGINING SCHOOLS

Water bottle filling stations - MSCS is committed to enhancing school facilities to maximize the health and wellness of students. We invested $5 million ESSER funds to install filtered water bottle filling stations, removing 99.3% of lead from drinking water. These convenient and touchless technology stations provide safe and better-tasting water while reducing costs and minimizing plastic bottle waste.

Consolidations - Dr. Ray is devoted to dismantling systems that perpetuate inequities in education. His recommendation to reimagine MSCS school facilities was approved by the Board this past January. This effort is designed to address hundreds of millions in deferred maintenance projects and thousands of open seats for students. School consolidations will also create increased resources that strengthen our student’s education.

Medical District and Bolton AgriSTEM High Schools - MSCS is proud to create student opportunities that build a prosperous workforce. Medical District High School’s partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Nursing Program, and located on the Southwest Community College campus, grants our students immediate access, allowing them to join the nursing workforce TWO years ahead of their peers! Bolton High School’s partnership with Ford Motor Company gives students tools and resources to enhance workforce development training in advanced manufacturing, supporting the Blue Oval City initiative.

REIMAGINING COMMUNITIES

Superintendent’s CEO Circle - Dr. Ray recognizes the business of education as EVERYONE’s business. Therefore, he has created the Superintendent CEO Circle. Assembled strategically, a handful of local CEOs meet quarterly to strategize innovative ideas to engage, empower, and equip our students and families. 

Internship Economic Impact - MSCS is reimagining a new, hands-on internship program called Power 1000 for one thousand of our juniors and seniors! As the second-largest employer in the metro area, the District employs a variety of industry professionals. As this dream is realized, our student-interns are already working alongside district leaders and corporate partners to gain valuable skills and experience, earning above minimum wage.

Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Enterprises - As we reimagine communities, our primary goal is to ensure opportunities flow through the communities we serve. Our partnerships with Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Enterprises increased from 18% in 2020 to 24% in 2021. Recently, we were named as a finalist for the prestigious Robert R. Church Corporation of the Year Award, a direct result of the progress we’re making in all divisions. Together, we’re impacting the 901. 

Reclaiming Our Identity - Reimagining 901 incorporates a name change that reflects our geographic location and the families we serve. Our School Board unanimously voted to rename our District as Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Today, we are unveiling our new logo.