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Friday, June 26, 2026

Team MSCS,

As we continue preparing for another successful school year, I am reminded that meaningful progress is built through consistent work, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to our students.

This week reflected that commitment in many ways, from celebrating academic growth and visiting our summer learning programs to advancing long-term investments in our facilities and communities. Thank you for everything you continue to do to move our District forward.

Monday: Staying Focused

This week began with meetings centered on district priorities and preparations for the year ahead. Summer provides us with an important opportunity to evaluate our work, strengthen our systems, and ensure we are ready to provide every student with the best possible learning experience when they return this fall.

Tuesday: Investing in Our Future

During our Board Work Session, we discussed how we continue investing in our students, our schools, and the future of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Among those conversations was our ongoing commitment to improving district facilities and creating safe, welcoming learning environments for every student and employee.

As part of that commitment, I am excited to share the launch of our new Building Greatness: Recent Facility Upgrades webpage. This new resource will provide employees, families, and our community with real-time updates on construction projects, renovations, and capital improvements taking place across the District. It reflects our long-term facilities plan and our commitment to transparency as we continue investing in schools across Memphis and Shelby County.



I encourage you to visit the page, follow our progress, and stay connected. We look forward to sharing these exciting updates with you as projects continue to move forward.

Wednesday: Celebrating Academic Growth

This week, I visited our Summer Learning Academy at Sea Isle Elementary School and had the opportunity to see students and educators continuing the important work of teaching and learning throughout the summer.

Their enthusiasm and commitment reminded me that learning does not stop when the school year ends.

We also received encouraging news as the Tennessee Department of Education released the preliminary 2026 TCAP results. For another consecutive year, MSCS students demonstrated academic growth, with districtwide gains in English Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies.

These results are a reflection of the dedication of our students, educators, school leaders, support staff, and Academic team. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our children and for the intentional work taking place in classrooms across our District. Your efforts continue to make a difference.

I encourage you to read the full TCAP report to learn more about the progress our students are making and the work that continues ahead.

Thursday: Summer Learning

I visited our Summer Learning Academy at Vollentine Elementary School, where students remained actively engaged in learning, enrichment, and building skills that will prepare them for continued success.



Summer learning opportunities like these help students maintain academic momentum while giving educators another opportunity to inspire, encourage, and support our children beyond the traditional school year. Thank you to every employee helping make these programs successful.

Friday: Building for the Next Generation

Today, I had the privilege of joining students, families, community members, elected officials, Board members, and partners for the Topping Out Ceremony at the future Frayser-Trezevant Community School. This milestone represents much more than the placement of the final steel beam. It represents a promise kept to a community that has long advocated for this investment and a shared commitment to providing students with a modern learning environment designed to support their success for generations to come.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to our Facilities team for the tremendous work that has brought this project to this point, especially Facilities Officer Ms. Michelle Stuart, Chief of Business Operations Mr. Tito Langston, and everyone who has helped move this vision forward. Because of their commitment and diligence, we are on track to open the school in August 2027 for the 2027-2028SY. Thank you to our project partners, community stakeholders, and the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education for your continued support.

I also want to recognize Board Member Stephanie Love for her unwavering advocacy and dedication to the Frayser community. Years of persistence and partnership have helped make this moment possible. Looking across the crowd today and seeing the excitement on the faces of students, families, staff, and community members served as a powerful reminder of why this work matters. When we invest in our schools, we invest in our communities. Together, we are creating spaces where students will learn, grow, and discover their greatness for years to come.