MEMPHIS, Tenn. – After months of debate in the Tennessee General Assembly, legislation proposing a state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has stalled, thanks in large part to all of the students, families, educators, and community members who made their voices heard.
Even though the bill did not advance this session, the conversation about the future of MSCS is far from over. Lawmakers could revisit this proposal as early as January 2026, and the underlying concerns facing our district remain: aging buildings, staffing shortages, underfunding, and opportunity gaps for students.
To continue the work to improve MSCS, Save Our Students (SOS) is inviting families, educators, and stakeholders to a Community Listening Session on Monday, May 19 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at BRIDGES. This event is an opportunity for everyone from the MSCS community to come together and share ideas, concerns, and priorities for building a strong, sustainable school system.
“Memphis came together to push back on legislation that didn’t reflect our values or address our district’s real needs,” said Cardell Orrin, Executive Director of Stand for Children and SOS representative. “We’re keeping that momentum alive by listening to the people who know MSCS best: those who live, learn, and work in it every day.”
- Who: Save Our Students (SOS) Coalition
- What: Community Listening Session on MSCS Solutions
- When: Monday, May 19 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
- Where: BRIDGES (477 N 5th St., Memphis)
- RSVP: bit.ly/listeningsessionSOS
The listening session is part of a broader effort to gather input and shape long-term solutions that reflect the diverse voices of Memphis and Shelby County. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with Momentum Memphis, a coalition that has been working for years to advance evidence-based policies and community-led strategies for improving our public schools.
We encourage all MSCS stakeholders–parents, teachers, students, and concerned residents–to join the conversation and help shape the path forward for MSCS.
