001Mr. Jenkins, please call the roll. Board member McKissick. Here. Board member Garcia. Here. Board member Porter. Here. Board member Murphy. >> Here. Board chair McKinney. Oh, excuse me. I'm sorry, Ms. Joyce. Board vice chair Coleman. Present. Board chair McKinney. Here. You have six in the room. All right, we have a quorum. Could everyone please stand for the pledge of allegiance? Please remain standing for a moment of silence as we stand for the moment of silence. Let's please keep the Millington Municipal [music] Schools community in our thoughts following the tragic loss of a student. Also, please keep [music] the DeSoto County Schools community in our thoughts following the tragic loss of a student. Our deepest condolences [music] to the student's family, friends, and educators. Our deepest condolences to the student's family, friends, and educators. Please seat.
002All right, board members. We're at item four, approval of the agenda. It is recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approve the agenda of April 21st, 2026 work session. Are there any amendments to the agenda, Dr. Richmond? No amendments to the agenda. Board members, do I have any amendments? All right, see Seeing there are no amendments, do I have a motion to approve the agenda? I move that we approve the agenda. Do It has been moved by board member Murphy and seconded by vice chair Coleman that we approve the agenda. Mr. Jenkins, please take roll call vote. Board member McKissick. Aye. Board member Garcia. Aye. Board member Porter. Aye. Board member Murphy. Aye. Board vice chair Coleman. Aye. Board chair McKinney. Yes. You have six in the firm. The agenda is approved. Next on
003the item on the agenda is chair's report. There is no chair's report. Next up, item six, [music] superintendent's report to No report. Thank you. All right, we're in section seven. Item number one, approval YMCA before and after school child care services. Yes, Madam Chair. It's recommended Shelby County Board of Education approve the contract for the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South to provide before and after school child care services at the rate of $42 before, [music] $64 after, and $85 before and after for the 2026 2026 through 2028 school years and 45 before, 66 after, and 85 for before and after for the 2028 through 2031 school years. The contract term is for 1 year with four additional 1-year options to renew not to exceed 5 years. I see a question from board member Murphy.
004One quick question. Will the parents have to pay out of pocket for any of this? Yes, uh Board member Murphy, some parents have to pay. Uh some parents receive um a stipend per uh DCS. Uh and we have some programs uh that are provided via the Y for free. Okay, so the >> a combination. >> It's combination. Okay, so for for the parents that have to pay, is it calculated from their income? Those Those uh parents who receive a voucher, it is based on their income. >> Okay. But for parents who don't qualify for a voucher, they have to pay. Thank you. No further questions. Seeing no further questions, we will move to item 7.2, approval YMCA Summer Learning Academy before and after school child care services not to exceed $700,000. Yes, Madam Chair. It's
005recommended the Shelby County Board of Education approve the contract for the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South to provide before and after child care services at the rate of 42 before, 64 after, and 85 for Summer Learning Academy in an amount not to exceed $700,000. The contract term is for 1 year with four additional 1-year options to renew not to exceed 5 years. Summer 2026 is year two of the contract term. none in the lights, moving on to 7.3, approval A&B Construction Central High School structure roof project, dollar amount $865,137.56. Yes, Madam Chair. It's recommended the Shelby County Board of Education approve the contract to A&B Construction Company Inc. for $865,137.56 for the kitchen window roof and building repair project at Central High School. Board member Murphy. One quick question. When will the construction start
006on Central High? Uh the construction will start, Ms. Stewart, I know right after we approve this. Will it start immediately after the board approves? Yes, so after the business meeting next Tuesday, when it's approved, normally on Wednesday, I sign contracts, and after the contract we'll get started. >> No further questions. >> [snorts] >> Next item, 7.4, approval Field Turf USA Southwind Stadium turf project, dollar amount $1.6 million. Yes, Madam Chair. It's recommended Shelby County Board of Education approve the contract with Field Turf USA Inc. in the amount of 1.6 million for the new synthetic turf field at Southwind Stadium. Board member Porter. Yeah, just just a quick comment. I'm hoping Southwind principals and the community 38125 community, uh, football staff, everybody is is listening to this board member right now cuz they finally getting a
007turf field. So, definitely, um, you know, congratulations to the, appreciate the administration. Oh, I didn't know you was here. Yeah. Yeah, good, good. I didn't even know you was here, but, uh, but definitely appreciate this. Thank you. Same Same question. I think I I I Board member Murphy. When will the construction start? Now, that is, uh, an interesting question because, uh, we would probably wait until Mr. Do you have a start date? Turf is a little different with schools still being in session. Thank you, Superintendent. Um, Board member Murphy, we're going to start that one as soon as we get the contract in our hands as well at with a we're going to watch these contractors like hawks and get that field ready for football season. Thank you. No further questions. Moving to 7.5, approval,
008LED Athletic Field Striping Striping Services, dollar amount $481,600. Yes, Madam Chair. I recommend the Shelby County Board of Education approve the first renewal of the contract with LED Athletic Field Striping Services in the amount of $481,600 for athletic field striping services for 27 middle and high school football and soccer fields identified by the Memphis Shelby County Schools Interscholastic Athletic Association, MSCIAA. Board member Porter, then Board member Love, then Board member Coleman. So, so we have to do this every year, right? Okay, yeah. I do appreciate the fact that when I was looking at it came down $1,800 from the previous year. So, I every little bit of discount helps. Uh, what schools are included in this striping service? Uh, normally there are schools that, uh, have football fields and soccer fields, uh, on site that
009schools use. Uh, Mr. Stewart, do you have a list of those schools that you could share with the board members? We'll We'll send you all, uh, the exact list. Or has it been uploaded? Don't think it's been uploaded, but just give me 1 second. It's moving slow. You want me to read them to you? Yes, ma'am. Um, A. Maceo Walker, American Way, Bolton High School, Booker T. Washington, Colonial, Cordova High, Craigmont High, Craigmont Middle, East High School, Germantown High School Stadium, Grandview Heights, Hamilton Middle School, Havenview Middle School, Hickory Ridge Middle School, J.P. Freeman School, Kate Bond Middle, Kingsbury High, Laurance O'Kaven High, Raleigh Egypt High, Snowden School, Southwind High, Treadwell That's enough? Yeah. And Treadwell. And Westwood and White Station and White Station. Is that all, Board member Love? Okay. Vice Chair Coleman. Does
010this Dr. Richmond, does this include baseball the baseball diamonds also? No, ma'am. Only soccer and, uh, football. Uh, normally with our baseball diamonds, uh, we normally use Toby in some of the city parks. Uh, very few of the on-site baseball fields have we striped. But again, Mr. Stewart, you want to add more context. Yes, sir. So, this year we had a board approved field prep contract. And for the first time baseball and softball fields were in that. So, if you drive by, a really easy one is East High School. You can see from the road the baseball, the red dirt, the white stripes. Um, that was in the field prep contract, not the field striping, though. I'mma have a conversation with you on the side. Yes, ma'am. Talk about the field at Melrose High School
011that I get in trouble about every week. So, we'll talk later. Thank you. All right. Next item, 7.6, approval, Southwest Tennessee Community College Medical District High School Lease, dollar amount $75,772.78. Yes, Madam Chair. I recommend the Shelby County Board of Education approve the 5-year lease with the Tennessee Department of Regents for space at Southwest Tennessee Community College, 737 Union Avenue, for the continued operation of Medical District High School. The lease term is 5 years and the lease amount is $75,772.78 annually. I have, um, a question about the lease. Is there anything is there anything in there that allows us to modify? Mr. Stewart. Yes, we are allowed to modify the space. Of course, we have to get it approved before that. No, I'm talking modify the lease amount, the terms. That's set Um, this was
012the agreed upon lease rate for the last 5 years. So, we this is a renewal of that same exact lease. >> So, it did not It did not go up. Wonderful. Thank you. Seeing no further questions, moving to 7.7, approval, Vehicle Purchase, Maintenance Department, dollar amount $647,575.20. Yes, Madam Chair. I recommend the Shelby County Board of Education approve the purchase of eight trucks and five vans for the district's facility maintenance team for $647,575.20. Seeing no lights, moving on to 7.8, approval, Damon Marcus White Station High School Boiler Replacement, dollar amount $335,182. Yes, Madam Chair. I recommend the Shelby County Board of Education approve the contract with Damon Marcus Company for the purchase and installation of two boilers at White Station High School in the amount of $335,182. Seeing no lights, moving to 7.9, approval, UVAPLE
013Core Partnership, Cohort 23 Professional Services, dollar amount $170,500. Yes, Madam Chair. I recommend the Shelby County Board of Education approve the University of Virginia Partnership for Leaders in Education Cohort Partnership for 11 CSI schools and five district leaders to receive instructional infrastructure planning session support and engage in professional learning and cohort immersion during the Executive Educational Summer Program, June 8th through 13th, 2026 in Charlottesville, Virginia in the amount of $170,000. $170,500. I have a question, Dr. Richmond. Are any of the schools that were identified, um, by the state for corrective action plan, are any of those included in this? I'll defer to Dr. Fox. Dr. Fox, would you please answer that question? Hello, board members. Yes, we do have several of the schools that have been identified for corrective action actually attending this, uh, upcoming
014UVA cohort training. And with that said, Dr. Richmond, will the board be updated on what those corrective action plans look like for each of those schools at some point? Yes, ma'am. Thank you. No Seeing no further questions, 7.10, approval, Public Consulting Group Medicaid IEP Reimbursement, dollar amount $256,912.50. Yes, Madam Chair. I recommend the Shelby County Board of Education approve the amendment of this in the amount of $256,912.50, an increase of $99,912 from the original amount with Public Consulting Group for managing the electronic documentation system. This electronic documentation system links to the system's electronic IEP facilitation, ease for navigation, the bill billing process with TennCare, three, managed care, Blue Cross Blue Shield, WellPoint, and United Healthcare. Public Consulting Group navigates the process of meeting all requirements for MSCS to participate in Medicaid reimbursement. Board member Love.
015Um, I see that there's an increase in, uh, um, what we, um, what we authorized to pay them. I'll defer. Dr. Whitlock, can you add context to the increase? Thank you, Superintendent. Board member Love, I will also have Ms. Vance to come closer to the mic as well. But the increase is because we will be receiving money from Medicaid up to over $1 million for this upcoming, um, year. And that is over the amount that we usually receive. So, then now we have to go back because PCG, who's helping us to recoup those funds, their funding goes up when we receive more funding in the district to help us to recoup that money. Is PCG only consulting group that we have for Medicaid? Yes. It seems like a lot of money. I'll turn it over
016to Ms. Vance and then she can probably add some additional information. Good evening, board members. And, um, Ms. Love, So, uh what has happened is um the contract is good for 2 years, okay? So, we had originally received or asked for $315,000, and that was over 2 years. So, the first year 157, second year 157. Well, what ended up happening Well, the way that we um come to these conclusions of how much we're going to ask for the board is based on the trend from previous years. So, um last year we received um uh right around um $500,000, but we did not uh receive any reimbursement for three consecutive months. Well, this year we have received reimbursement for every month of the school year, which has increased. And so, the um $157,000 that we asked
017for to pay PCG, we're needing more money because we're receiving more um revenue. So, more reimbursement. So, last year we're at $800,000. I mean, I'm sorry, $500,000. This year we're going to be right over a million dollars. So, every dollar that we receive in reimbursement, we have to pay PCG 18% of that because they assist us [music] with receiving that reimbursement back. And so, that's why we're asking for the increased revenue. And another reason we're asking for the increased revenue is because our contract is going to go through October this year. It's not going to end on June 30th. So, we're going to need the additional revenue to be able to uh the additional money from the board to be able to pay PCG for the fee for service that they uh render for us.
018Um one final question. Is more kids involved in the Medicare than last year? Well, each year differs because each year, depending on the student and depending on how many IEPs we have. So, that the IEP drives So, the IEP, the related service drives the the amount of students that we have. So, each year it differs. Uh we were last year at uh 1,300 1,377 students. Um not quite sure how many we have this year. I could get that number for you. Um but the um it's it's a lot of things that play into it. So, in order for us to be reimbursed back for the services, we have to have a credential uh therapist. And so, that has increased as well because the amount of therapists that you have credential is you can receive more
019reimbursement for that. So, you have a student that's on a IEP, the student receives um related services They receive related services from a credential therapist. We have a parental consent signed on uh parental consent form signed for the student. Those all four criteria, then they qualify for Shelby County Memphis Shelby County Schools to receive reimbursement back. So, it's it's a few It's a few different. I just want them to go to the next slide. >> Oh, yes, ma'am. Because I think also what she's asking is also where we receive the money for the necessary items. [music] And I just didn't want you to feel like you had to remember. So, these are listed on the um next slide, board member Love. And it talks about physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing services, but it's based on
020the IEPs as well as the individual health care plans, as stated by Ms. Bain. I appreciate her going into depth. Okay. Okay. And we will get you that number of the students and the services. Um I know it seems like a lot of money, but I want the students to have the necessary services that they I understood. Yeah, absolutely. I'm sorry. Thank you. Seeing no additional questions, moving to 7.11 approval, Vantage Learning LLC student licenses dollar amount $201,265. Yes, Madam Chair. It's recommended Shelby County Board of Education approve the 1-year contract and purchase from Vantage Learning LLC in the amount of $201,265. The purchase price includes 1,200 uh 570 student licenses for students in grades 5 through 10 in the I-Zone CSI school access to the patented online writing platform MyAccess RightView, Delta Analytics, and
021professional learning and implementation. I have two lights, board member Porter, board member Murphy. If I'm not mistaken, uh was this program being eliminated out of the budget next year? Uh board member Porter, thanks for that question. No, it's not uh being eliminated, but I will allow uh Dr. Fox to add additional contents. Thank you, Superintendent Richmond. This uh Vantage Learning contract is part of the CSI Turnaround Grant. So, these funds will be purchased through the TAG 6.0 and part of [music] TAG 5.0. As far as the other funding source, that would come from the district funding source. Okay. I can be wrong. I thought I read in the in the budget that Vantage Point the actual software would be was going to be eliminated, but uh I'll wait on the line-by-line budget book next week.
022Okay. If that's the The general fund issue will pay for that. Okay. Board member Murphy. Is this for all the schools or certain schools? This is for certain schools. However, last year we did purchase it for uh all the schools. The reason we're bringing uh this for these set of schools is because we have to spend these monies uh by a certain uh time uh frame or we'll lose them uh as part of our priority school improvement grant dollars in our uh turnaround uh assistant grant dollars. How are the schools selected? These schools are selected based on them being priority schools. So, these schools are priority schools. Okay. No further questions. >> district didn't just just randomly select their priority schools. They selected schools, and we're wanting [music] to use Vantage Learning to help improve
023uh the literacy rates through uh their writing scores. Thank you. No further questions. All right. Seeing no further questions, moving to 7.12 approval, After School Reporting Center, The Pursuit Center renewal, dollar amount $320,000. Yes, Madam Chair. It's recommended Shelby County Board of Education approve the renewal contract between Shelby County and Memphis Shelby County Schools in the amount of $320,000 for continued services provided by the After School Reporting Center, The Pursuit Center. This is the last year renewal option under contract number 2024-0185 with Shelby County Government. Board member Love. Did the student participation went up or down? Uh Dr. Thomas, would you please come to the mic and answer that question for me, please? Thank you for that question. The We are still in the process of the enrollment, but right now it's up. Right now
024we are at 68 students. What were you at last year? At the end of the year, we were at 88. It's a cohort of 16 students per cohort, but um this is a collaboration with Juvenile Court, and we receive referrals from Juvenile Court. Um I have one more question. The parents are involved in the choice >> Yes, ma'am. There is a component for parental involvement. And may I add, we do have some of our students here in their Pursuit Center shirts. I wanted to make sure they were recognized. They wanted to come to hear how this works. Kind of like a government class. Stand up. Please stand up. Thank you. >> [applause] >> What percentage of the parents do the whole Every parent has to do orientation with their students, and all parents of participants
025have to participate. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Thank you for joining us. Uh No further questions. Thank you. 7.12 approval, After School Oh, I already did that one. Okay. 7.13 approval, Charter Authorization recommendations, initial round. Yes, Madam Chair. It's recommended Shelby County Board of Education adopt the denial of the following charter applications: Blueprint College and Career Prep, Empowerment Academy, Memphis Elite STEM Academy, Opportunity Youth Academy, Urban Dove Memphis 1 and Urban Dove Memphis 2. Seeing no questions, moving to 7.14 approval, United If Infolytics TisaMax dollar amount $939,313.50. Yes, Madam Chair. It's recommended Shelby County Board of Education approve the 3-year contract with United Infolytics LLC in the amount of $939,313.50, 2526, uh $349,512, 2627, $305,823, and 2728 equals $283,978.50. Board member Love. Um this is just a question for the uh charter authorization. We normally have
026a presentation. I'm moving too fast. So sorry about that. Approval charter authorization. I think you went to infolitics and I went to Okay, we'll we'll go back from infolitics, and I'll defer to Ms. Parker. Ms. Parker, if you would, let's uh go through the presentation regarding the uh charter authorization recommendations, initial round. Thank you, Dr. Richmond. Good evening, board commissioners, uh Superintendent Richmond, and listening public. I am Orlinda Parker, director of uh charter school development in the office of charter schools, and I'll be bringing recommendations before you this evening. Next slide. Oh, thank you, Ms. Timberlake. So, uh Dr. Richmond has read the recommendations for denial of the charter applications uh for this initial round. Now, Tennessee law requires that local boards of education approve or deny a charter application no later than 90 days
027after receipt. Now, these applications were received on February the 2nd, and the 90th day concludes on May 3rd. Uh so, that's why we're bringing these recommendations before you in the April agenda. Now, uh as you can see, we had six eligible, uh if you'll go back one slide, Ms. Timberlake, six eligible applicants for review. Uh we have Blueprints College and Career Prep, who's proposing to open a New Start uh 9 through school [music] 12 school in the Cordova community with a capacity of 500 students. We have Empowerment Academy, who's proposing to open a New Start K-5 all-boys school in the Westwood Whitehaven community with a capacity of 150. Memphis Elite Steam Academy, proposing a New Start K-8 in the Frayser community with a capacity of 540. We have Opportunity Youth Academy, who's proposing to open
028a 9-12 ungraded opportunity charter school in the Frayser community with uh a capacity of 300. And then we have two uh Urban Dove schools, where Urban Dove uh Memphis 1 and 2, and both of them are proposing to uh open an opportunity public charter school. Uh they consider themselves to be ungraded, uh but they will serve high school grades 9 through 12. The first location is proposed in the Hickory Hill community with of 310. And then the second location is proposing to open in either the Frayser, Orange Mound, Binghampton, or Parkway Village community with that same capacity of 310. Next slide, please. So, application decisions are based on the charter school's application scoring rubric, which is provided by the Tennessee State Board of Education. Uh we also layer in board policy 1011 uh for review.
029Now, based on board policy 1011, we are required to uh assemble a CART team, which is a charter application review team. And so, that review team is uh comprised of Office of Charter School staff as lead reviewers, our internal district departments, current charter leaders, uh independent and expert reviewers. >> [snorts] >> Now, we use the application uh the scoring rubric again rubric again as created by the state, and board members, you have in your yellow folder uh summary documents, you have neighborhood analysis, you have fiscal impact reports. Uh and also the board office uh has three copies of the actual rubrics. Now, in years past, uh I I our office has provided and printed all of those copies, but this year there's a new rubric, and so each application's rubric was like 100 pages. So,
030with that, that would have been 600 pages for each of you, and so I wanted to save you uh a little uh time to have to go through all of that and to carry that. So, there are three copies in the board office for your review, if you would like to, as well as an electronic link was sent to you all today, where you can access all of the documents electronically as well. So, I just wanted to share um where you have access to all of those documents. Also, the rubrics for each of those applicants is uploaded to BoardDocs, so that information is available for the public as well, along with this presentation. Now, as we know, charter agreements are for a 10-year period. And so, with that, the application is part of that charter
031agreement. So, that is a binding document on the district, with the school, and with the sponsor. And so, to that point, approving uh applications uh in the initial round that do not meet uh the requirements of the state rubric and meet board policy, it puts us uh in a position where there could be accountability issues for the district, compliance issues, as well as issues for the school long-term. So, we definitely want to make sure that when we uh approve applications, that they meet the requirements of the particular rubric. Next slide, please. So, just wanted to share a little baseline data with you guys, so historical data, I say. Over the past 6 years, uh with the authorization cycles, no applicants have been approved in the initial round. And that's really been due to the fact
032that even though applicants have put forth their best effort in the initial round, there are areas of opportunity where there needs additional clarity, additional additional information is needed, as well as there might be misalignments across the application, or the applicant might have omitted some things that's required. So, to that point, we require the applicants to submit an amended application if all of those things are not in the initial application. And so, that is our recommendation. As you can see in the middle, um that data set really shows that applicants, if denied in this initial round, they go ahead, shore up their applications, and they do resubmit in the amended round. Last year, we had five applicants, all five of them submitted in the amended round. Uh only one didn't submit the year before that, and
033you can see that historical data uh based on the applications that were submitted in the amended round. Now, denying charter applications in this initial round, what it does is that it ensures that we maintain a high standard for quality authorizing. It ensures that we allow applicants to shore up and correct any deficiencies in their initial application for resubmission, and it also ensures that we as a district provide provide high-quality school options for our students. And so, these are some things that I would like for us to consider as we move forward for the recommendations in this initial round. Next slide. Now, this is the fiscal impact slide, and so this year uh uh the fiscal impact was created um from a cumulative standpoint. And so, with that, you see that over the first 5 years,
034and for one applicant, it's 6 years, because they get to their capacity in the 6th year, but over the first 5 years, this shows the potential loss to the district based on TISA allocations. And so, again, this is a cumulative projection over the first half of a 10-year charter term. Next slide. So, state board rule discusses that um the state Board of Education shall provide, of course, we know the application and the scoring rubric. In the scoring rubric, it states that in order for an applicant to be uh recommended for approval, the applicant must meet or exceed the standard in all of the major sections of the application. Next slide. In addition to the standards of review from the state, we also layer in board policy. And within board policy 1011, there are uh five
035items that are outlined that we also look at and include. Now, I will say that some of this information over time has been embedded in the application, uh but just wanted to share all of these items that we look at for review of the applicants. Next slide. So, here you see a summary of the applicant, their sponsor, the grade structure, uh their proposed school model, the neighborhood in which they're seeking to uh open, and then you see whether they met uh the expectations based on the uh state board's rubric, as well as based on board policy. Now, I would like to uh note that in order for the applicant to uh meet uh board policy, they first have to meet the expectations of the state board rubric. And so, as you can see, in this
036initial round, all applicants did not meet the expectations based on the rubric of the state, and then, of course, layering in board policy 1011. Next slide, please. And so, here are some overarching concerns or needed points of clarity related to each of the applicants. Now, as you can see, there are some common threads among many of the applicants as it relates to their academic model, the curriculum that they are proposing to use, the [music] supports for our at-risk and our high-need subgroups. There are concerns related to the community need or demand for the particular area that they're trying to open in. We have recruitment and enrollment concerns for some, facilities plans are concerns, governance structures, and then across all of the applications, there are either missing information or the information might be misaligned. You're saying
037you're going to have so many teachers in one section. You look in the budget, it's not accounted for. There's information that's missing. So across all of the applications, there is an opportunity to strengthen and to shore up the applications for an amended round of review. >> [snorts] >> Now, additionally, there are concerns for about half of our applicants around their heavy reliance on a an ESP or a CMO. And so for the listening public, I just want to share that ESP is an education service provider or it's a charter management organization. And so those terms are sort of used interchangeably depending on regionally where you are. And so what that really is is that it's the organization that contracts with the charter school to help to manage the operations and the academics and the HR
038and the finances and facilities acquisitions and all of those types of things to help the school. And so we have three schools that are proposing to contract and partner with an ESP or a CMO. And so with that, we just need additional clarity on that because there is a heavy reliance on those individuals who are outside of the city of Memphis to provide certain supports. And we know collaboration is important, but we also know that it is important for us to have local context and for us to have local ownership and membership in the decision-making of certain things when it pertains to our students. And so those are some concerns as well. Now, this is a high-level summary. There are detailed information in the rubrics and your summary documents and all of the things that
039you have electronically as well as printed. Next slide, please. So in further reviewing the recommendations, here you see how each applicant scored on each applicable section of the application. Now, I think I mentioned that there is a new rubric this year. And so with rubric, there is um there are applicable addendas that go with each applicant type. You have addenda A, which is an applicant who has an affiliation with other charter schools. B, if you're proposing a network or already currently in a network. Addendum C, if you are planning to contract with an ESP or a CMO. Addenda D, if you are proposing multiple schools within a certain cycle. And then F for those who are opportunity charter schools. Okay. And as a reminder, in order to be deemed eligible for approval, you have to
040meet or exceed in all major sections. So we wanted to make sure that we broke it down so you could see section by section. Next slide. Thank you. All right. So because of these reasons discussed this evening, our recommendation for this initial round is to deny the approval of Blueprint College and Career Prep, Empowerment Academy, Memphis Elite Steam Academy, Opportunity Youth, and Urban Dove 1 and Urban Dove 2. Next slide. And this is my last one. Now, in looking ahead, just want to share the timeline. So as you can see in the orange, we're in the initial round. And so with that, this is the first round of review. Applicants do get another opportunity if denied in this round. They have 30 days to shore up their application and to resubmit an amended application. We
041have 60 days to review that application and it will come back before the board around July 2026. And so if the application is denied a second time in the amended round at the local level, the school still has an opportunity to appeal and they appeal to the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission and that happens around the September October timeline. So again, this is just the first opportunity for the schools for approval. Next slide. So in conclusion, all schools that are denied in this initial round, they will be provided a full copy of this rubric with the feedbacks to help them and guide them in shoring up their application for revisions and resubmission. Now, our office also supports the applicants in scheduling an amended round overview as well as we have school specific individual meetings to
042answer any questions that they may have regarding the applications. So in the presentation, there is an appendix with additional information. And so of course, our office is always available for any type of one-on-one to questions that you may have. Thank you so much for your time. All right. I have Murphy, board member Murphy, board member Love, and board member Huerta Garcia. Quick question. So this is their initial round, correct? Yes, ma'am. So they get the opportunity to come back and submit again if if denied. That is correct. Do they also get opportunity to come and plead their case? They have the opportunity for public comments. All right. Yes, ma'am. No further questions. Board member Love. Thank you. I was sitting here counting up how many charter schools and private schools that I have in one
043district that I represent. I counted five um private schools [music] and eight charter schools and the rest of them are district um owned and operated. We have a lot of uh alternatives for Frayser. We're just getting rid of the ASD that contrary to popular belief, it it brought our neighborhood down. Um NBA is a STEM school and they are doing well. They have a middle school and a high school and elementary school located right in the Frayser area. We have some STEM-like classes in all of our schools. This is a lot. Um this is a lot for me to take under and I don't want to minimize the great work that this board is doing and our current superintendent in stabilizing the district and getting schools what they need. Uh each student leaves the school,
044it is burdensome for our district to do what is needed in those schools. That's all. Board member Huerta Garcia. Um thank you. I mean, I think where we're at, it would be it's it's very clear we're in a non-compliant They're the applications we've received are non-compliant with charter authorization. So I hope they do amend. My questions are around the ones that are particularly for what are considered opportunity youth. And that um the definition I always had in my head was a not working or in school, but I do see the appendix where there are um the description of Slide 33, please, Mr. Huerta. >> is 33 and 34. Um my question is these are 16 to 21-year-olds. Are they going to be recruiting students from the community or who are who have left school or
045is it possible say, I'm going to use my own school, I go to White Station High School and I decide this this is somewhere I want to go and I can go to I'm sorry. We're trying to get the presentation. I'm listening, [music] board commissioner. Can they poach our high school students? So according to the information in the application is that their intent is not to take the students that would typically be in the district. Their intent, according to the application, is that they would recruit the students who are disengaged is a word that they use often. Students who have not been to school. Students who may have not been successful in a traditional environment. Students who may not currently be enrolled. And so with that, they are looking for uh students who may have
046one of these categories as you see. Been a student who's been adjudicated or juvenile delinquent or has been incarcerated or has been previously detained or student who may be a parent or has a documented substance abuse and is not coming to school. And so or had extreme circumstances [music] of abuse and neglect or they've been retained twice throughout their educational time. And so their intent according to the application is that those are the students and that they would like to be a partner with the district. But again, that is definitely in print but in reality, you just never know what the results might be. I hear that on intent, right? Um but it sounds like if if a student does meet one of these but meets both meets both the income requirement and one of
047these criteria, there's nothing to stop them. Um but one thing on my mind and then now we've looked at chronic absenteeism a lot is that all alternative high schools have extremely high rates of absenteeism. So I would love to see what the students that are in sort of an alternative school or is this an opportunity for them to actually get back in additional education days? Like I know we want to figure out how to do that in the district. Um but there is I think there is a need for this and when I'm looking at charter school applications, I'm thinking can Memphis-Shelby County Schools deliver this type of educational experience? Are they doing something different than what we are doing? Um I think we're getting away from uh college prep sort of visions, right? What
048How are we delivering something for students who are not currently in the system or um providing a specialized program. So that's that's the lens of which I'm viewing this too. So I I'm not sure the fiscal impact is correct if those students are not in the district already or the majority are not. What? Board member McKissic then board member Murphy. Thank you, chair. So my line of questioning is somewhat similar to board member Hugo Garcia in that how are these opportunity youth schools different from say the Goodwill Excel Center which also focuses on um adults? Is it because they are targeting students who are technically still of secondary education age as far as that 16 to 18-year-old window? Okay. And then going back to what MSCS already offers, at one point there was a school
049in the district that I represent, District 1, where we um you know, catered to um young girls who were also mothers and it was a really really beneficial program. I believe it may have gotten moved to somewhere else but it's moved out of my district but I remember visiting that school. So we were already attending to those students. And then as far as our alternative high schools and our virtual high school to the accelerated programs that we have to help students get [music] out of high school sooner. We do have that correct as a district? Yes. The the questions you raise as well as board member Love someone who's working with these schools came to my office. And I Dr. White Law was in there and I told him uh why is it that everyone
050wants to feed [music] from this district? Shelby County is broad. There's eight other school districts and there's a broad county where there are students all over this county that could benefit from these types of charters. But the choice has been made to bring them to Memphis Shelby County Schools. And many of our alternative spaces provide these types of support. But with our schools come accountability. These opportunity public charters are not going to have to live up to the same accountabilities and accountability models that we have to adhere to when it comes to federal and state accountability. And I asked him, I said, "I'm sure that there are other municipalities like Memphis who have students a student population that could benefit from this." So you're you're absolutely board member Love is correct. Board member Garcia is
051correct. And board member McKissic, you are correct. But for some reason, everyone wants to proliferate our district with charters. But I had this conversation and asked them why. Why not another municipality? Surely someone else in this broad Shelby County community deserves to have at least one charter. >> [snorts] >> Board member Murphy. Thank you. I think Commissioner Garcia and Commissioner McKissic asked my questions and Dr. Richmond just answered it cuz my district has 13. So [music] you just answered my question so there's no need to go on. Thanks. Um I have a a question about the EPDR, the rubric that needs to assess alignment assessment. That is something that the board board is supposed to see on an annual basis. Is that correct? So we do publish the EPDR each year. I will say uh
052chair that it's not something that during my tenure that I uh have been aware of that it should be brought to the board but please know that moving forward, we can definitely do that and it is published and it is on our district's website and it's also provided to applicants whenever they submit an application. I think that it would be important because I think it would be it would help board members sort of when they're thinking about what the needs are when we get these applications because I think part of the policy indicates that it comes to the board for approval on an annual basis. So it helps to ground us in what our needs are and it also helps and so that we can align on what the needs are when these are coming
053before us. So for instance, if we've got the chronic absenteeism that opportunity schools helps, if that's something that I think it was designed to for us to have a conversation and try to to partner and be strategic with with schools we think may be helpful for the district because I think it was board member Hugo Garcia, some of these things we cannot do everything but we can be strategic about where we may or may not put these. And so for instance, board member Love said, "I got enough in Frayser." Board member Murphy says, "I have enough in in where she is." I don't know if there's if there's space in Cordova or where other places. So we can be strategic about where we do it. And and again, holding them accountable, that's part of being
054strategic being strategic about it as well. So I think if we could see that, that would help ground us and so that when we're getting these applications and making those decisions, we are focused and aligned. Yes, ma'am. I receive that and definitely will get you a copy tomorrow of the most recent EPDR. I would like to note that your neighborhood analysis that you have in your folder for each of your schools, they are grounded in the EPDR and so that information comes directly from that document. It's just streamlined for the particular region and neighborhood versus you having the document for the entire district but I do see how helpful it would be and we'll definitely get on track with that. So thank you for lifting that. >> Yeah, and I think it's just a larger
055question for Dr. Richmond when we talk about we're naming ourselves as a portfolio district and thinking how we can be innovative about working with some partners. I don't know what those look like but certainly we can be thinking about it. All right, seeing no more lights. Dr. Richmond is next. >> [snorts] >> Moving to 7.14 approval United Inflatics T Simax dollar amount. Mhm, we didn't do it. You got to stop. Yeah, we didn't do it. It's recommended Madam Chair has recommended Shelby County Board of Education approve the three-year contract with United Inflatics LLC in the amount of $939,313.50 uh 25-26 uh $349,512 26-27 $305,823 and 27-28 and $283,978.50. Seeing no lights, moving on to 7.15 approval Central Technologies in the amount of $137,850. Yes, Madam Chair has recommended Shelby County Board of Education approve the
056contract Central Technologies in the amount of $137,850 to provide install services for the network equipment upgrade. Seeing no lights, we are moving on to board items section eight. The first item is 8.1 proposed policies. Dr. Richmond, would you like to bring or is that is that general counsel? Go ahead, brother. Uh thank you, Madam Chair. I'm going to allow Miss >> [laughter] >> I'll allow Miss Green to update on the proposed changes to the first reading of the board policy updates. Sorry for the delay. Good evening, board members, superintendent. We have seven policies for your review on this evening. Um I can go through those more thoroughly, but I'll provide a high-level overview of the summaries for each one. Uh the first policy is on page red page three, um school board meetings. It amends
057the section regarding public comment. Uh the main revision is to note that public comment does not apply to board-conducted disciplinary hearings as defined by law. It requires speakers to state their city of residence rather than their actual address before speaking. Um there's some additional revisions in that portion of the section that rearrange the language and clarify that um the board chair may terminate remarks of any individual who is unreasonably disruptive or does not adhere to board policy. And it also speaks about um convey convey that speakers are not permitted to use lewd or profane language. The next policy is policy 5010, Title I Parental Involvement. Um it's found on red page 11. Um the basic revision >> can you hold for just 1 moment, please? I think we have a question on that first policy.
058>> Oh yes, ma'am. Um correct me if I'm wrong. Um is there a policy or law the students don't state their address? I'm not familiar with that uh as a policy or a law. I was thinking that um because they are minor children, they shouldn't state their address. Just the school address, but not their home address. I'll defer to general counsel. Yes. Uh thank you, uh board member Lowe. This policy would um remove the requirement for any speaker, including minors, to um state their address for the record and only state their city of residence. Thank you. Carry on. Board member Murphy. Can we add that to the policy that they don't have to state their at home address? Yes, ma'am. That's the proposed That's the proposed revision. Yes, ma'am. What page? Uh it's right there
059in the middle if you look up, "Speakers will be introduced by". Let me look. I want to make sure. Page nine? Okay. Hold on. What what you on two? I'm on that. Okay. Okay, I see it. Thank you. The next policy is policy 5010, Title I Parental Involvement. This policy revision includes language aligning with the wording that's included in the federal law. Our policy utilizes parental involvement, whereas the federal law now utilizes language such as parental Excuse me, parent and family engagement. And so throughout our policy, we've included that language as well as changed [music] any reference numbers that are misaligned with the federal law. The next policy is policy on red page 18. The revisions to the actual policy are very minor. They clarify that the superintendent may designate authority in the policy. Um
060and it also includes in the regulation a a reference linked to the overage for grade guidelines. And it's on page 24. And that's the link, the blue link there. And that's the only change to that policy. The next policy is policy um 5023, Family Life Education. It includes in the policy language references to Erin's Law. Um it's already it's already um listed there in the Family Life Education policy, but we wanted to make sure that we included the actual TCA reference there. And that's the only change to that policy. The next policy is policy 6002, School Admissions. It begins on red page 28. And the the revisions include um red page 33. It includes language stating that general choice transfers may be revoked at the end of the semester rather than at any time during
061the school year. On page 35, um it develops new regulations that outline the revocation processes for both general choice transfers as well as optional school transfers for students who fail to meet or maintain eligibility criteria. It states that those regulation that those guidelines that are developed must include notification, warning letters to parents when their children's choice or optional school transfers may be revoked, probation, as well as options to review the revocation decisions. And those that information is outlined there on pages 35 through 37. Miss Green, I have a question from board member Hewitt Garcia. Yes, ma'am. What What's the rationale for um general choice transfers at the end of the school semester? Um is this required that we do this? No, it's not required that we um have a specific timeline for um when we
062do the general when we do the general choice transfer revocations, um but it's my understanding that the rationale rationale was to have it at a academic break rather than any time during the the year. Um but there are staff who can speak more definitively to that if necessary. Well, I'll let them respond, but I have concerns about that. Uh if if it's an attendance issue as a student I know we can make it one fidelity of uh policy, right? We know some principles may be more flexible. Uh I I think we're going to have uh a a potential where a student experiences something different for the same actions. Um and it it'll feel subjective, but if a student does need support and is struggling in any of these areas, I'm thinking about a family uh
063changing their schedules and a student losing their friend group and educational environment if they if they want to be there. Um that that disruption may cause Well, they may leave Memphis Shelby County Schools, actually. Um I I just have a lot of concerns about it. I I think I'd be a no on that. I'd like to come on, too, but I'd be a no on that. Just to clarify around your question, is it is the um Just clarity around whether or not you're you have questions around it happening any time during the school year or at a at a at the semester point? Is that something we do now? Like currently? What is the What is the problem with leaving it at the end? It's currently any time during the school year that the revocation
064[music] can occur. And the recommendation or proposal is stating that the the revocation can only occur now at the end of the semester, but not any [music] time during the school year. >> Okay. So that does seem like an improvement. How many students are we revoking their general choice transfer a year? Um we have we may have some Miss Davis may be able to give you some data on that. Good evening. Superintendent Richmond, board members, Commissioner Hewitt Garcia, this year so far we've had 264 requests for revocation of a general choice transfer. To add context to that, we've approved for this year nine over 9,000 transfers. So of that 9,000, 264 have been approved for revocation. 264 have been approved? Yes. Is this reducing administrative burden to have them all at the same time? Uh
065and have like a a fair process there? Right, because often times, of course, our families are transient. We want to provide them with the necessary supports at the beginning, at the onset. [music] If you're having attendance challenges, behavioral challenges, providing them with that support, the early warning letters. Then by the time the end of the semester occurs, we go back and we will review whether or not there been improvements in those areas, and then principals are to make the decision at that point. Okay, the distinction moving from any time at end of semester was helpful. Uh of the people of the students that we approved the transfer, how many leave the district or go to another school? That's a very good question. I don't have that data in front of me, but I'll make sure
066I follow up. >> Thank you. Board member Love. I agree with my board member. Um, in my perfect world, we wouldn't have no optional schools because all of our kids need the same thing in order to survive. Board member McKissic. Thank you, Chair. So, um Dr. Richmond, Ms. Davis, you kind of addressed my concern regarding um students and and pulling them out of school at a certain point in time and that process of if whatever the infraction may be and those are different types, if they correct it by the time we get to that point, so that's when the review is happening at the end of the semester to determine whether or not it will continue to a revocation of the general choice transfer or any transfer, correct? >> to point out that those warning
067letters are going out at the um progress report. Um, and so the so the time between the progress report and the next reporting period, which would be the report card for a semester, those students those students and parents would have an opportunity to work [music] with the school uh see if there's any probationary opportunities to receive support as well as to address any particular like family issues that may arise from uh the first progress report to the report card and then from the report card to the second progress report of a semester. Great. So, I want to thank you. Want to make sure that um it's clearly defined because I I will tell you now that we're not getting paper report cards throughout the year, it's really confusing on when a progress report is a
068progress report period and when the report cards come out. I don't know if other parents have experienced that, but I completely or maybe my child is just kind of, you know, pulling the wool over my eyes on this, but she's pretty much an AB student, so I don't think she's got much to hide there, but it's just I want to make sure it's clearly defined that it doesn't sneak up on students and families of when the progress report period is, when the reporting card period is because right now it's really confusing. You get it Well, I don't know. May- maybe I'm missing it, but um it's just not clear like how it used to be. So, it may be it's just a me problem. And it could be me, you know, sometimes like it's either
069the person next to you or it's you. So, it could be me. So. Yeah, it there should be several uh modes of communication. So, at the four and a half week mark of the nine weeks, every student should receive a progress report. Uh, an interim report uh per policy. So, per policy, these things should be going out and then at the nine week mark, you get your report card. And then what we've also layered after that is our uh pathway to greatness plan. So, the pathway to greatness plan, we're expecting those to go out after report cards and those things identify both academic and non-academic uh things that you can do to improve uh your child's uh either academic or non-academic outcomes. So, you should be receiving one, two, three si- you should be receiving
070six notifications within [music] a semester outside of if you're not attending regularly, you should be getting uh at three weeks notice at three days notice that you've missed three days. At five days, you should be getting a SAR meeting and letter around attendance. At 10 days, you should be getting another SAR and a a SARB review around attendance if it's an attendance issue. So, there are several uh milestones along with PowerSchool should be you can access PowerSchool. So, uh but we'll look into it to make sure that all of these things are are happening the way they should at every school. Okay, thank you. And I will double-check my email. I may not be the parent of record Yes, [laughter] ma'am. with my child's Board member Love. Um Ms. Green, let's just say hypothetically uh
071high school uh student was truant or misbehaving. Their home school doesn't accommodate them on their studies. What happens to the paper um their classes? If they were sent back to their regular home school and that doesn't accommodate their schedule, what happens then? Um, can you repeat that for me? Just make sure I got it. >> Um I'll I'll answer it. I get it. Uh, what board member Love is asking is uh what if the program of study at the school that they have, the optional school transfer or the general choice transfer, uh if their home school doesn't uh accommodate their academic needs after they are into a semester. Uh, and how we've dealt with that before is we do look at a student's report card, we do look at the courses uh he or she
072is taking. Uh, I see Ms. Griffin in the back. I know in in some instances we would possibly transition that student uh if it was a class they were trying to compete uh trying to complete, we would transition them to possibly online uh learning uh if it was a class they were trying to complete that wasn't at uh their home school, but those things are few and far between >> [music] >> in most instances. I know uh my two girls went to an optional school and the traditional schools, they deal with the child regardless of if they're truant or misbehaving. In the optional schools, um they get a a scapegoat. Um, now I know the optional schools and the general choice transfers have rules, but I am concerned that the traditional schools don't get the
073pleasure of kicking students out. I agree, board member Love. Uh, I agree with two things you said today. Uh, one thing I agree with is all of our schools should be uh high-performing schools of choice. Uh, and so we've got to do everything we can within our our powers to create uh high-quality, high-performing schools regardless of the zip code the students uh reside in. Uh, I also feel that at any and every school the students attend, there should be uh high expectations whether it's an optional school or whether it's a traditional school, uh there should be high expectations and we should offer uh the same course offerings. We should try to offer those same offerings uh at all of our schools. So, I totally agree uh with you, uh but also parents, when they're going
074to an optional school or a choice transfer, they're essentially entering into a contract with the district that if we offer them this opportunity, they are going to live up to the expectations that have been set forth for that optional school transfer and/or that general choice transfer. Thank you. If there are no more questions on school admissions, the next policy is I'm found on page read page 52, which is 6061, student congress, which includes the student board member. And before I go into my comments, I do want to recognize that we do have the student congress um some student congress member representatives here tonight. If you all could just either stand and wave your hand. Um, they worked on They worked uh to provide input uh as part of student congress as well as uh as
075part of Bridges. They're on both groups uh to provide comments for uh the student congress policy. So, this policy um expands the scope of the student congress to include ninth and 10th graders rather than only 11th and 12th graders. It streamlines the meeting requirements for the congress um to meet with the board as well as the superintendent. Uh, it broadens the language in the administrative rules and regulations. Uh, and that's about page 55. Um it states that in addition to the principal uh recommendation, schools should advertise students may apply to the principal to run for student congress. Um, it modifies the term limits for the student congress from two years to one year with the congressperson being eligible to serve multiple terms. That kind of coincides with including ninth and 10th graders uh so that
076uh the positions won't be held for two years and other students will be able to uh join the congress also. It encourages board members, district staff, and congresspersons [music] uh to participate in joint adult equity training. Um and this is um a highlight. It includes the non-student board member position on the student Congress. It outlines criteria for the student Congressperson to serve as the student board member. Um it sets a quarterly term for the student board member, uh which would allow of course for members of the Congress to serve [music] within a school year coinciding with the academic quarters of the district. Um it allows the student board member to act as a non-voting advisory representative to the board um by providing, when appropriate, a declaration reflecting his or her opinion and or the opinion
077of the student Congress on student-related action items or votes taken by the board, which declaration shall be recorded and included as information in the public record. And determining whether things are student-related would be, of course, the board chair, vice chair, or the board as a whole um determination. Allow the student board member to participate in discussions uh or provide insight from a student's perspective when requested by board members. Um those are the um proposed to sum it up, the proposed revisions for student Congress and the student board member. Are there questions on that policy? Yes, I have a question. Is there any reason that the the um student board member is not in the policy that the board is the one that's saying we're going to have a student board member as opposed to it
078being administrative rules and regulations? Um it's only there for formatting purposes, but if we need to move the language to the policy, we can. Um it's there because the student Congress is is outlined the composition of the student Congress is outlined in the regulations. Um but because it is the student board member, um it would be uh just as easily feasible to place it in the policy if necessary. Yes, we can do that before the board meeting. Yes, cuz the way way it sits now is that administration could decide at any point in time whether they want to they could change it at any point in time. Yes, ma'am, we can make that adjustment. We can place it in the Okay. Thank you. And the last policy is policy 6009, family engagement. It's a mirror
079policy to policy 5010, which includes the language outlining the specified specified wording uh for regarding Title I. Uh that's outlined in the federal law. And that concludes our presentation this afternoon. Okay, I see no questions. Board members, this is um going This is going to go on for first reading. There's no You're not asking us to do any No, ma'am, we're not asking for anything special at this time. All right. Board members, this will go on to the board meeting for first reading, and we will then make a decision next month to adopt. Moving to the next item. 8.2, approval of resolution of the Shelby County Board of Education authorizing amendment to the policy manual aligning with recommendations of CliftonLarsonAllen. Allen. Recommended action, it is recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approves the
080resolution of the Shelby County Board of Education authorizing amendment to the policy manual aligning with recommendations of CliftonLarsonAllen, Are there any questions around that? All right, moving on to 8.3, approval annual artificial intelligence policy compliance report. Recommended action, it is recommended that the Shelby County Board of Education approve the annual artificial intelligence policy compliance report pursuant to TC Let's TCA 49-2-203 A16. Are there any questions? If board members will recall, we had the discussion on both of those items during our policy committee meeting. If there any questions, please let um GC Bailey or Ms. Stewart know if you have any questions before next week. All right, seeing no questions, this meeting is now adjourned. Oh, what time is it? Adjourned at 6:52. Board members, in about 8 minutes we will go into executive session. We'll
081be going upstairs.