Seeding Success

Hi partners! Our final free Data Use & Literacy training of the year is coming up on Wednesday, September 25th. Visit seeding-success.org/register to sign up today.

📊 In this free training, participants will gain understanding of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and learn how to maintain standards of ethical and effective use.

📁The Data Use & Literacy training is open to organizations who directly serve students and would like to have access to student-level data on the Memphis-Shelby County Schools students they serve.

🏛 Last week's update: Route cuts loom for Memphis transit, while security officers in the school district anticipate salary increases.

Get the full updates by signing up for our public policy newsletter: bit.ly/s2policynewsletter ✉️

𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒:
Memphis-Shelby County Schools plans to implement a new salary schedule for its safety and security officers, including substantial raises through a five-step payment structure across the next five years.

𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐘 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒:
Last Monday, Shelby County Commissioners opted to delay a resolution regarding funding for the Whitehaven High School STEM building. Construction on the project commenced in April but stopped because Memphis-Shelby County Schools could not provide the $2.3 million commitment.

𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒:
The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) is considering discontinuing seven bus routes and two trolley lines to balance its budget. Memphis is one of four major metro areas lacking an annual dedicated public transit funding source. Final decisions on the proposed cuts will not be made until at least September.

Seeding Success is proud to have been part of the steering committee for the Ford Motor Company Urbanite Challenge with Start Co.! Congratulations to the winners, Asha's Refuge, MedHaul, and ServiceSync, for their innovative work to help solve the transportation challenges we face in Memphis.

Did you know the average household in our city spends 27% of its income on transportation expenses? Learn more about the challenge at memphismobilitychallenge.com

🏛 Last week's update: The Memphis-Shelby County Schools district is undergoing a transition as newly elected leaders claim victory.

Get the full updates by signing up for our public policy newsletter: bit.ly/s2policynewsletter ✉️

𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬:
* District 2: Natalie McKinney won with 48% of the vote.
* District 3: Incumbent Stephanie Love won with 60% of the vote.
* District 4: Tamarques Porter won with 44% of the vote.
* District 5: Sable Otey won with 43% of the vote.
* District 7: Towanna Murphy won with 33% of the vote.

𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒:
With the new MSCS school year beginning today, Supt. Marie Feagins has committed to improving student attendance and academic performance. She also aims to present a new strategic plan for board member approval this fall.

Additionally, as the board transitions from election results, members are expected to make decisions on the closure and consolidation of school buildings to address growing deferred maintenance costs.

🗓✨ It's a brand new school year! Let's make this one great.

We are proud to kick off our second year as part of the EdRedesign Institute for Success Planning Community of Practice! 🎉

Last week, S2’s Director of Community Schools, DeVonté Payton, joined Myrtle Winfield from Memphis-Shelby County Schools - MSCS and Natalie Purdy from Communities In Schools of Memphis for a summer workshop at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

There, they met with other educators and cross-sector leaders to create and enhance personalized, relationship-based initiatives to support the cradle-to-career journeys of children and youth, especially those affected by racism and poverty.

Seeding Success is honored to receive official recognition by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners for our work!

We thank Michael Fulton for serving on our Board of Directors and Commissioner Michael Whaley for sponsoring the resolution. We look forward to continuing to serve families in Memphis and Shelby County! 🌱

Are you ready for the August 1st election? School board seats in Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 are on the ballot in addition to the Tennessee/United States House and Senate primaries! Early voting is currently underway until this Saturday, July 27th.

View your sample ballot, key dates, and find your polling location at ElectionsShelbyTN.gov today.

Great to see everyone come out this morning! If you haven't filled out the FAFSA yet, you can still get help this evening. Register below:

The end of generational poverty is within Memphis's grasp. And a federal investment in BIPOC STEM tech talent will help get us there. 🖤

Last month, Greater Memphis Chamber president and CEO, Ted Townsend, published an op-ed in The Daily Memphian summarizing a crucial federal grant application supported by a coalition of over 70 major tech employers and tech training organizations, including Tech901.

"Memphis is positioned as the informal capital of the Mid-South, and we aspire to transform the city into a hub for BIPOC STEM and, particularly, technology talent." — Ted Townsend

In short, people are our city's greatest asset, and we believe that leaning into systemic disruption, rather than avoiding it, is THE way to move the needle on poverty while kickstarting historic GRP growth.

As we wait for the U.S. Department of Commerce's grant decision, Tech901, along with Greater Memphis Chamber, CodeCrew, The Collective Blueprint, SHRM-Memphis, Delta Boule, Next Memphis, Seeding Success, Southwest Tn Community College, and StartCo are already forging viable STEM pathways for adults ages 18-54.

TOGETHER, we are securing an equitable and prosperous future for all of Memphis. 〽️ Read the full article at the link below.

https://dailymemphian.com/article/44234/memphis-chamber-recompete-grant-bipoc-stem-hub-black-wealth

🏛 Last week's update: The Tennessee Department of Education released the latest TCAP scores, while the Memphis Shelby County School Board and city council gave the green light to their budgets.

Get the full updates by signing up for our public policy newsletter: bit.ly/s2policynewsletter ✉️

𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒:
Last Wednesday, the Achievement School District (ASD) announced that three charter schools operated by Memphis Scholars would be shutting down this summer. The sudden decision comes after the schools received a violation for low enrollment. The process for reassigning the 530 students and staff still remains unclear. MSCS may decide to operate the schools or reassign the students to nearby schools. As a result, only three state-run ASD schools remain open in Memphis.

About 39% of TN students met or exceeded reading expectations on the 2023-24 TCAP. This is a slight increase from 38% in 2023. MSCS students also showed improved performance in reading, with 22.4% meeting or exceeding expectations on TCAP reading, compared to 20.7% in 2023. While the district has made gains in math for third, fourth, and fifth graders, with 23.7% meeting or exceeding the math standard on the TCAP this year, proficiency rates remain lower than desired.

The MSCS school board approved a $1.8B budget for 2024-25 to address teacher shortages and enhance student performance. With federal pandemic funds depleted, the new budget is over $250 million less than last year's $2.1 billion budget. Key budget allocations include $21.8 million for coaching and tutoring, $14.6 million for after-school programs, $2.9 million to increase attendance rates, $96.7 million for facility repairs and improvements, and $1.5 million for more graduation coaches.

𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒:
Last Tuesday, Memphis City Council approved a 49¢ city property tax hike, which has not occurred since 2012. Under the approved budget, the city's solid-waste monthly fee will increase to $42, and the motor vehicle registration fee will rise to $60. This budget also allows for a 5% raise for city employees and allocates $14 million to the city's annual reserve fund. The approved budget anticipates $69 million in revenue from the tax increases.

Last month, DeVonté Payton—Director of Community Schools for Seeding Success—attended the 2024 National Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference, hosted by the Institute for Educational Leadership, in Atlanta!

"Attending the National Coalition for Community Schools Conference highlighted the critical role of collaborative partnerships in eliminating inequities and enhancing student success. I gained insights into integrating the Community School model into school improvement plans and sustaining these initiatives through robust infrastructure. I am excited to bring these strategies back to Memphis and Shelby County to foster stronger family-school-community partnerships and create more equitable educational environments." —DeVonté Payton

“Some judge a child, but what did you do to help that child?”
— Casio Montez, founder of “We Stand on Business” life coaching services

High Ground News community correspondent Danica Wilks recently covered two mentoring programs at the Greenlaw Community Center which both focus on creating positive space and building friendships for local youth. “We Stand On Business” life coaching services and the Frank Gottie Foundation, created by Casio Montez and Frank Gottie, respectively, help youth develop social and emotional skills that help them deal with problems they face in school or at home.

Read about these inspiring programs on High Ground News: highgroundnews.com/features/frank-gottie-and-casio-montez-q-and-a.aspx

The More For Memphis plan aims to add useful, homegrown programs like these to community centers, expand mentorship for Memphis youth, and shift the city’s focus from carceral punishment to giving young people the resources they need to thrive. Dedicated community members like Montez and Gottie are already out doing the work. Now they just need the funding and policy support to reach more youth.

📝 More For Memphis is partnering with High Ground News to bring on six community correspondents to tell stories from various Memphis neighborhoods, elevating voices from their communities on the topics of community development, economic development, education and youth, arts and culture, health and well-being, and justice and safety.

We are proud to introduce you to Diana Barreto, Carlton Brown, Joyce Howard, Javonii Merritt-Hunter, Yolanda Spinks, and Danica Wilks! Read about this program here: https://loom.ly/_KdL-SU

🏛 Last week's update: The superintendent of MSCS presented plans for new staffing and transportation investments during this week's MSCS board work session.

Get the full updates by signing up for our public policy newsletter: bit.ly/s2policynewsletter ✉️

𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒:
The MSCS superintendent’s plan to cut 1,100 positions (41% of which are vacant) would not include severance pay for impacted employees but is offering a “comparable” alternative. With June 30th as the final day on the job, laid-off employees will be paid through Aug. 16th and have benefits through Aug. 31st. Impacted staff will also be able to apply for 1,069 vacant school positions.

In a recent MSCS Board work session, the superintendent shared plans for staffing investments, including $20M for specialized education assistants and literacy coaches and $2.9M for attendance agents for schools with high absenteeism rates and family engagement specialists for all schools. Further proposals included enrichment camps, after-school programming, and transportation services. See further information by signing up for the full policy newsletter.

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒:
Gov. Bill Lee's universal school voucher proposal remains contentious, with conflicting poll results causing many state legislative candidates, especially rural Republicans, to avoid discussing their positions. Three pro-voucher groups report broad support from polling, while the Tennessee Education Association's poll shows only 30% of Republican primary voters support the plan. Vanderbilt University's recent poll found Tennessee voters evenly split on the issue.

Happy Juneteenth, Memphis! Did you attend any of the city’s Freedom Day festivals or events over the weekend?

Looking to learn more about the history of Juneteenth? Check out this video from TED-Ed: youtube.com/watch?v=lq8TNKZVEWs 💙❤️🤍

Earlier this month, our team traveled to Capitol Hill and met with congressional staff from Tennessee’s delegation to discuss how local, state, and federal partners can improve the lives of children and families in Memphis and Shelby County through More For Memphis! The conversation specifically focused on federal policy improvements and investments in childcare, housing, mental health, employment, and re-entry.

While in DC, the team also met with fellow members of the StriveTogether Network to share experiences and knowledge of how to use local, state, and federal policy to improve cradle-to-career outcomes and economic mobility.

Coming up this Monday (July 17th)! 🗳 Get to know candidates running for the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board before election in August, presented by Chalkbeat Tennessee and MICAH - Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope.

⭐️ RSVP for free today: https://loom.ly/oVQis-o

Forum: Who is running for the Memphis Shelby County Schools board? Get to know candidates running for the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board before the August elections.

This morning, we took a step back from the daily work flow to recenter our professional relationships and celebrate each other's strengths. Today and tomorrow, we will be reviewing our team's results from the CliftonStrengths assessment by Gallup, lead by VP of Creative Services & Client Relations at Powers Solutions, Jaclyn Suffel.

It's exciting to see the characteristics and skills we have in common with one another and the many ways we balance each other out. Eager for Day 2! ✨

Happening today! We'll see you there.

Join New Memphis on June 11 for a conversation celebrating big visions being brought to life in Memphis. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3QFfVE4

On the Stage:
Jamilica Burke | More For Memphis
Jared Barnett | Slingshot Memphis
Sarah Lockridge-Steckel | The Collective Blueprint

This event will feature a series of interviews, followed by light refreshments and networking conversations. This event is generously powered by: BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

🏛 Last week's update: Questions linger around the details of Elon Musk’s xAI Memphis facility, and a new pedestrian safety report reveals shocking statistics in Memphis.

Get the full updates by signing up for our public policy newsletter: bit.ly/s2policynewsletter ✉️

𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒:
Elon Musk’s xAI program has selected Memphis as the site for “the world’s largest supercomputer.” The company has yet to determine details regarding the total capital investment and the number of jobs that xAI’s arrival would generate. They also have not announced the official location of the xAI facility, but the assumed site is Electrolux Group in Southwest Memphis. Along with the unclear economic impact, many groups have begun to voice concerns about the city’s electric grid capacity.

The latest Dangerous by Design report by Smart Growth America reveals that Memphis is now considered the most deadly metropolitan area for pedestrians in the United States. In Memphis, the pedestrian death rate has nearly tripled over the past 15 years, with 343 pedestrian deaths occurring between 2018 and 2022. The Dangerous by Design report also shows a disproportionately higher risk of pedestrian deaths in lower-income areas, among Black and brown populations, and older adults.

𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒:
During Tuesday’s MLGW committee meeting, the mayors of Germantown, Collierville, and Bartlett appealed an ordinance that aimed to add two board member positions to the MLGW board. These additional voting members would represent suburban customers outside of the city limits. If the City Council passes an ordinance referendum, Memphis voters would ultimately vote to add these positions to the November ballot.

Chalkbeat Tennessee, MICAH - Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope, and partners are hosting a forum for candidates for the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board on Monday, June 17! This is a free event with food and childcare provided. Sign up today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forum-who-is-running-for-the-memphis-shelby-county-schools-board-tickets-902803919827

Forum: Who is running for the Memphis Shelby County Schools board? Get to know candidates running for the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board before the August elections.