May 17, 2022

Greetings, MSCS Family.

We are at a crossroads in Shelby County’s history. Ford is investing in our region. Wages in all sectors of the economy are rising, and unemployment is at historic lows. Memphis and Shelby County are positioned for a quantum leap into the 21st century.

It's exciting and exhilarating, but the hard truth is that longstanding issues hold us back from fully embracing this opportunity. Crime, poverty, and illiteracy leave many in our community ill-prepared to benefit. 

At Memphis-Shelby County Schools, we are working to change that narrative by setting the bar for excellence in education. Education eliminates barriers and provides a skilled workforce for our community, but we can't do it alone. 

Each year, Shelby County Commissioners set aside some $75 million in Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funds, which are used for everything from building fire stations in rural areas to replacing air conditioning units at the County Courthouse to building and fixing schools.

MSCS is one of seven public school districts (our district plus the six municipality districts) that can use these funds, but they often go to surface-level repairs that only impact a sliver of students at a time. Even more staggering is the fact that $75 million is less than the cost of one comprehensive high school.

For additional perspective, in March, the Commission approved $28 million of capital improvement dollars to build a juvenile correctional facility. Money that could be used to educate students will instead be used to imprison them.

I have spent the last several months echoing the refrain that “Literacy is Life” and that when we don’t invest in literacy, people end up in the correctional system. 

To put it plainly, I want to build schools, not jails.

I believe all the children of Shelby County should have access to world-class education in world-class facilities. From Smokey City to Collierville and all across the County, students deserve CIP allocations for schools, so we don’t have to spend as much on jails.

My passion can only go so far. I need YOU in this work! Tomorrow, I will go before the Commission to share this message and request $55 million for new and improved facilities for students and staff. I ask for your support.

With the backing of the Commission, we will be able to meet the needs of Shelby County children, build a global workforce, and support the future of our community. If you believe in this vision, please consider reaching out to your friends, family, and the County Commissioner for your District.

WHY NOW? WHAT IS THE URGENCY OF THIS REQUEST?

Our portfolio includes 33 schools that are at least 50 years old. Heating, cooling, and maintaining these older schools is expensive and drains our funds for smaller projects that could be used for more significant upgrades, including new schools.

HOW WOULD THIS FUNDING IMPACT STUDENTS AND TEACHERS?

Teachers and students would benefit from improved, 21st century learning environments. Once those immediate needs are met, funding could be transferred to other priorities, including bonuses and salaries.

WHERE WILL THE MONEY COME FROM?

• The total annual CIP allocations could be increased from $75 million per year to $95 million per year. The additional $20 million per year could be allocated to the Shelby County Community’s School Building Replacement and Transformational Programs.
• In fiscal year 2021, the County collected more than $4.6 million in revenues for education that was not disbursed to schools and was deposited to the education fund balance, and per the Shelby County Trustee’s reports the collections so far for fiscal year 2022 are similar to collections for fiscal year 2021 for education.
• The Shelby County Commission could also leave the tax rate where it is to sustain the needed revenue.

WHEN IS THE COUNTY COMMISSION COMMITTEE MEETING?

DATE: Wednesday, May 18

TIME: 8:30 a.m.

LOCATION: 160 N. Main Street, 1st Floor Chambers, Memphis, TN 38103

Shelby County Commission meetings are open to the public. Additionally, citizens may write letters or send emails to their County Commissioners to share ideas and concerns, or call 901-222-1000.