Memphis, TN - The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Board of Education has approved the budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This budget reflects the district’s unwavering commitment to student achievement and inclusive excellence with historic investments in infrastructure and teacher salaries. 

With the anticipation of more than 115,000 students this upcoming school year, including the return of three schools from the state’s Achievement School District, this budget underscores the priority of allocating supports where they will have the most immediate impact.  

"Thank you to our Board Commissioners for their support of a budget that prioritizes learners and leaders," said Superintendent Dr. Marie N. Feagins. "What happens next for a generation of children depends on the decisions we make and the actions we take now. These bold strategic investments hold the potential to profoundly impact our students and shift the trajectory of Memphis and Shelby County.”

Key Highlights of the Approved Budget
 

Student Achievement:

• Literacy and Math Proficiency: $21.8 million for targeted coaching and tutoring to improve Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program and End of Course performance metrics.
• After-School Programs: $14.6 million to expand programming, add activity bus routes, and provide comprehensive after-school activities, impacting nearly 8,000 students.
• Attendance: $2.9 million allocated to bolster attendance 
• Graduation Rates: $1.5 million for additional Graduation Coaches in our highest-opportunity schools.

Business Operations:

• Facility Enhancements: $96.7 million focused on revitalizing learning environments and addressing urgent structural challenges to create safer spaces for learning.

Next-Level Readiness:

• Career Pathways: $1.1 million invested in expanding career pathways and fostering partnerships, internships, and apprenticeships with industries and post-secondary institutions.

Talent Management:

• Teacher Salaries: A historic $28.4 million investment in teacher salary increases, making MSCS's salaries the highest in the state to attract and retain top talent.
• New School Leader Salaries: $6.2 million investment in school leader salary increases to recruit and retain excellent school leaders equipped to support academic achievement.

With the goal of MSCS becoming the exemplar for the state and a model for the country, Board commissioners and the superintendent are confident that the approval of this $1.8 billion budget will deliver significant outcomes.

“We have approved a balanced budget centered on students and rooted in fiscal responsibility,” said Board of Education Chair Althea Greene. “My colleagues and I take this work very seriously, and the 2024-25 budget reflects our commitment to this district and our community.”

The district’s proposed 2024-25 budget moves on to the Shelby County Commission for final approval at the end of the month.