MSCS board members passed a $1.95 billion budget during a special-called meeting.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Board unanimously approved a $1.95 billion budget during a special-called meeting on Wednesday, June 11, signaling what district leaders call a pivotal step toward rebuilding public trust and strengthening student outcomes.
MSCS board member Tamarques Porter believes this is a “community-based budget” and shared that it was vital to get approval to prepare for the upcoming school year.
The comprehensive budget includes significant investments in facility upgrades, teacher resources, transportation and literacy initiatives—priorities, Porter said, that were identified through board budget discussions.
According to Porter, top budget priorities include concentrating on increasing the district’s literacy, art classes and STEM education.
“A lot of our children, they’re not athletes,” Porter said. “They want to do the arts, they want to continue to do the theater and a lot of our children are more so into the STEM education, so I’m glad that we put an emphasis on that.”
Porter noted many buildings around the district need infrastructure improvements.
“A lot of our buildings are over 62 years old, and so, [I would] definitely like to see that we came together to collaborate around the facilities,” she said.
Among the approved funds, $73 million is allocated to increase teacher salaries.
For MSCS parent Ashley Hull, the focus on teacher well-being resonates. Hull told ABC24 that when educators are supported, classrooms become more inviting learning environments for children.
“We stand together, we stand united,” Hull said. “If we don’t support one another in actually identifying some of those stressors and where they begin, it will be like we’re laying concrete on top of a broken brick.”
Hull said her other concerns include making resources available to families of children with Individual Education Programs and MAL.
District leaders also emphasized efforts to retain and develop teachers. MSCS board member Amber Huett-Garcia said the district’s number one asset is investing in people.
“We have 1,300 teachers who are unlicensed, with about 250 who are in that final year to earn their credentials,” Huett-Garcia said.
According to Huett-Garcia, the budget allowed the district to add some important positions back, including chief of student support. She said this individual is a key advisor to student and family needs.
“Whether we’re talking about houselessness, resources for chronic absenteeism or mental health, this person is our point person,” she said.
She added that while the board has approved the $1.95 billion figure, the budget could surpass $2 billion depending on emerging needs throughout the year.
link