Roderick Richmond
Coverage of Roderick Richmond in the Nexus archive.
- 5 key takeaways from the final Memphis schools audit report
A state audit of Memphis-Shelby County Schools found $54 million in potential spending abuse and widespread document mismanagement under previous administrations. The audit, which led to a Republican-led state takeover temporarily blocked by a federal judge, highlighted issues in a 2022 custodial contract and identified $65 million in policy-violating spending.
- Former Memphis-Shelby County school board chair will lead new oversight board
Billy Orgel, former Memphis-Shelby County school board chair, will lead the new oversight board overseeing the district's operations starting July 1. The board will control budgets, leadership, and academic decisions, potentially accelerating school closures. An ongoing audit identified financial irregularities, including $1.1 million in transactions flagged as waste or abuse.
- Are more Memphis school closures on the horizon? The state takeover could mean yes.
The state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools may lead to more school closures, mirroring actions in Houston and Fort Worth where state oversight prompted closures due to declining enrollment and aging facilities. Memphis schools have seen a 10,000-student enrollment drop over a decade, with plans to close up to 10 schools in the next two years amid financial and resource challenges.
- Memphis leaders decide to keep Ida B. Wells open despite school closure vote in February
Memphis-Shelby County Schools will keep Ida B. Wells Academy open for at least one more year by relocating its students and staff to Norris Achievement Academy, despite a February vote to close the underenrolled school. The decision followed community support and concerns about the school's $6 million facility repair needs, though the district plans to close up to 10 schools by 2028.
- Memphis students are graduating from closing schools. But one beloved program could be revived.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools is closing Ida B. Wells Academy, a K-8 school, due to underenrollment and costs. The district plans to transfer the school's program to Norris Achievement Academy, an alternative school, but uncertainty remains about how students and staff will transition. The final graduation ceremony highlighted both celebration and emotional farewells.
- 4 things to know about the next Memphis schools budget proposal
Memphis-Shelby County Schools propose a $1.7 billion 2026-27 budget, a reduction from $1.9 billion, as a state-appointed board prepares to assume financial control. The budget faces approval by the Shelby County Commission, but a state takeover awaiting Gov. Lee’s signature could delay implementation. Enrollment declines and funding tied to attendance rates are key concerns, alongside proposed teacher bonuses and school closures to address financial pressures.