Ripley
Ripley, MS · Education
The Commercial Appeal
MSCS oversight board meets for first time after months of litigation
The Memphis-Shelby County Schools oversight board met for the second time on Oct. 8 after months of litigation prevented the body from convening. The meeting, which lasted over three hours, focused on the structure and operation of the oversight board — a step that board members said would legitimize the board in the eyes of the court. The oversight board has been blocked from operation since July 1, when MSCS leaders filed a lawsuit claiming the board invalidates voters' choice of locally elected officials. But in a court order filed Oct. 5, U.S. District Court Judge Waverly Crenshaw for the Middle District of Tennessee indicated he was ready to lift that block and directed oversight board chairman Billy Orgel to file a statement under oath when the body is "ready, willing, and able to perform its duties." MSCS sues: Shelby County, MSCS board sue again to stop school takeover Establishing a solid structure should demonstrate that "readiness," said Tennessee Senior Deputy Attorney General J.P. Urban during the meeting, who is acting as legal counsel for the oversight board. "The line that we see that that order draws is that the board can take its steps to develop its infrastructure, develop
gryphonlodge.com
The View from 10,000 Feet
St. George’s has introduced a dedicated Academic Head of School position this year, appointing Mr. Matt Morgan to directly oversee educational programs at both the Germantown and Collierville campuses. Before the position was created, academic oversight was shared among division leaders, department chairs and other administrators, with responsibilities handled...
whitestationscroll.net
New mascot fails to appeal to students
At the first pep rally of the year, a new mascot made its debut. Instead of the typical banana in a ghost face mask, a new and shiny Spartan in green appeared. Rather than being inspired, many students felt betrayed by the sudden change. “I was pretty angry, honestly,” Sam...
The Commercial Appeal
MSCS ex-superintendent Feagins' attorney asks to withdraw from lawsuit
Former Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins' attorney filed a motion asking to withdraw as counsel from the federal lawsuit filed against the school board , court documents show. An Oct. 6 court filing shows Brittany Hinton, who began representing Feagins last month, asked the court to allow her to withdraw from the case. Feagins' previous attorney, Johnathan F. Austin and Austin Law, P.C., withdrew from her case Sept. 4 after Feagins wrote to the firm to terminate their representation. School board response to lawsuit: MSCS files motion to dismiss Feagins' federal discrimination lawsuit Feagins filed the suit against the Memphis-Shelby County School Board over the board's decision to fire her as superintendent of MSCS . The suit, filed in federal court March 19, alleges sex-based discrimination and retaliation violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The order asks the court to grant Feagins a 30-day extension of upcoming deadlines so she can secure new counsel. Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: MSCS ex-superintendent Feagins' attorney asks to withdraw from lawsuit
Daily Helmsman
UofM Turning Point chapter hosts “Prove Me Wrong" event with Will Witt
Hundreds filled the University Center Student Plaza for Turning Point’s “Prove Me Wrong” at the University of Memphis on Tuesday. The event featured Will Witt, a conservative media personality and author, along with Turning Point employees holding signs encouraging people to engage with Witt, calling DEI “racist,” and calling for stronger immigration enforcement.
WREG
MSCS state oversight board gets to work as debate over local control continues
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Months after Tennessee created a powerful new oversight board for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, the nine-member panel is preparing to get down to business Thursday, reopening a debate that reaches well beyond budgets, test scores and school bureaucracy. At its center is a fundamental question: Who should have the final say over the […]
whitestationscroll.net
White Station volleyball tops Germantown 3-1 on senior night
The White Station High School (WSHS) varsity girls volleyball team secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Germantown High School on senior night, performing in front of a packed gymnasium filled with enthusiastic friends, family and supporters. The crowd size noticeably exceeded typical home games, creating an energetic environment as the Spartans battled through a competitive four-set match.
WREG
MSCS state-appointed board holds first meeting since federal court halt
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The state-appointed board with broad power over Memphis-Shelby County Schools is set to meet on Thursday after its work was stalled for months by a federal court fight. This is a big step forward for the nine-member oversight board. A federal judge recently said he could lift his July order once the […]
radionwtn.com
Bethel Names Dr. Jody Hill VP Of Advancement
Bethel University today announced the appointment of Dr. Jody Hill as Vice President of Advancement. Hill begins his new role today. Hill joins Bethel with more than 25 years of experience leading mission-driven organizations through seasons of growth, challenge and transition, most recently serv ing as President of Memphis Theological Seminary. He brings expertise in advance ment, strategic leadership and institutional transition to his new role.
Daily Helmsman
Students gather on University Center Alumni Lawn for conversation about consent
University of Memphis students gathered Monday afternoon at the University Center Alumni Lawn for a student-led conversation about consent, resources and accountability, creating space for an open discussion about safety and support. Marissa “Skye” Kingery, LaDerrick Milton and Fedel Jones hosted the conversation, with about 10 students attending. The informal...
Z1079
Big Glo Blesses Cordova HS Senior Class With $25K Donation!
Big Glo, doing big things in her hometown! This time donating to the senior class of Cordova High!. Glorilla returned to her hometown with a special surprise for students at Cordova High School during the school’s homecoming celebration!. The rapper presented the school with a $25,000 donation, which will...
The 74
Memphis Schools Takeover Could Move Forward Soon
A state oversight board appointed to take over Memphis schools may soon take charge of Tennessee’s largest school district. U.S. District Court Judge Waverly Crenshaw said he is prepared to dissolve his order blocking the board from taking control of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Crenshaw made the comment during a court hearing Friday in which he […]
Chalkbeat
Memphis schools takeover could begin once state takeover board is ready, judge says
Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name. A federal judge appears poised to allow the state takeover of Memphis schools to move forward as soon as the oversight board says it’s ready to seize control of Tennessee’s largest school district. U.S. District Court Judge Waverly Crenshaw filed an order Monday indicating that he will soon remove a temporary block on the state-appointed board after months of delay . That came days after the first hearing on Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ lawsuit against the state takeover, where Crenshaw said he never intended the block to be long term. Crenshaw ordered the oversight board chair to notify the court under oath once the board is “ready, willing, and able” to begin its work, a step that could allow the politically appointed board to assume control of the district within days. Oversight board Chair Billy Orgel did not respond to Chalkbeat’s request for comment on whether or when he would file a statement of readiness with the federal court. Chalkbeat also reached out to the