Facing state scrutiny, Memphis schools intensify efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is intensifying efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism through door-to-door outreach campaigns, targeting neighborhoods with low enrollment and high absenteeism. The district faces state scrutiny and a potential takeover due to its high absenteeism rates, which reached 30% in 2024-25 compared to 18.3% statewide. MSCS enrollment has declined by over 9% in the past decade.