Superintendent Emeritus of Memphis-Shelby County Schools| Forever Change Champion for Children! Servant-Leader| Teacher Advocate| Proud Dad| Life Long Memphian
Today was absolutely POWERFUL! Many of the most influential people in the city joined
@SCSK12Unified
as we lean in to offer urgent support to African American males in Memphis. I appreciate each of you for answering the call. Our boys need us...
#EquityEducationEmpowerment
My Mom and first teacher got her heavenly wings yesterday evening. She was a virtuous woman of faith, wisdom, strength, and courage. Mom prayed and encouraged me, “You’re the 7th child, blessed child of completion. Walk in faith!” Mom, I love you and hope that I made you proud!
Board Members and I are consulting with our General Counsel to review the legalities of Governor Lee’s Executive Order 84. In the meantime and in alignment with
@ShelbyTNHealth
Order No. 24, MASKS ARE REQUIRED for all employees, students, and visitors in our schools and offices.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Adolph “
@YoungDolph
” Thornton Jr. A proud Hamiltonian and a generous supporter of
@SCSK12Unified
, the life of this young father tragically ended with gun violence. Let us continue to SOUND THE ALARM and appeal for PEACE in our city!
The 901 community continues to answer the call! THANK YOU
@FedEx
and Regional President Richard Smith for taking action to ensure Shelby County students don’t go hungry. FedEx is using refrigerated trucks to deliver meals to neighborhood sites in collaboration with
@YMCAMemphis
.
Pressure can burst pipes or produce diamonds. We will
#ReturnStronger
. However, pressure will not push me to open schools if they are unsafe. The F in our S.A.F.E. plan stands for FLEXIBILITY. We will continue to do what’s best for students and staff.
As a bold and preemptive step to ensure the safety of students and staff,
@SCSK12Unified
will cancel all classes beginning Friday, March 13 and extending the week after Spring Break. Schools will reopen Monday, March 30.
I’m not going to cave in to any political pressure at the national level or any threats around having in-person instruction if our data and COVID-19 numbers in Memphis say it’s not safe. I’ll always put it ALL on the line for the children
@SCSK12Unified
.
NEW: “If we are where we are today, in good faith I could not open schools,”
@SCSSuptRay
told Chalkbeat. “And when I say open schools, I’m talking about in person.”
As leaders of the State’s two largest school districts, I stand with
@MetroSchools
Superintedent Dr. Adrienne Battle in support of the
@TNedu
recommended waiver to suspend TNReady testing for Spring 2020.
I’ve listened as many of our hourly workers expressed the burden of spending money on extra cleaning supplies and stocking food at home while students are on break. To relieve the financial pressure, payroll has been processed two days early and ALL EMPLOYEES will be paid TODAY!
SCS will start school on August 31 fully-virtual until further notice. We remain determined to return in-person when science tells us that our community has successfully flattened the curve and the risk is reduced.
#ReturnStronger
In the midst of a GLOBAL PANDEMIC, saving lives is priority. We’re equally as eager to celebrate the CLASS of 2020, but we also want to keep you around for the NEXT 20 YEARS. Let’s harness our emotions, and ENCOURAGE each other during these tough times.
#StayHome
#COVID19
To my good brother
@Iam1Cent
, we’re in your corner 100% and ready for the REBOUND! There will always be critics ready to count out
@Memphis_MBB
, but remember persecution purifies your LIFE and prepares you for future SERVICE. Stay encouraged, keep achieving, coaching and LEADING!
After the commencement ceremony yesterday ,
@JorisMarquis
made a special visit before celebrating with friends. Joris II visited my mother at the Hospice Facility to share the moment and say, “Grandma, your last grandchild is a college graduate!. Thank you and I love you ❤️”
SCS family, out of an abundance of caution, forecasted snow/ice accumulation, and freezing rain:
ALL District schools will be CLOSED on Thursday, January 6, 2022.
We will continue to lead the NATIONAL conversation around providing a high-quality education and keeping students and staff SAFE during these unprecedented times. I will ALWAYS put it ALL on the line for the children and teachers of
@SCSK12Unified
.
Leaders across the NATION are pledging support for the children in Memphis/Shelby County! I just spoke to
@BarackObama
’s former U.S. Secretary of Education
@arneduncan
who validated the work happening at
@SCSK12Unified
to stabilize our community. THANK YOU for your commitment!
HOME is where our story begins. A native son and inspiration to many,
@Iam1Cent
you continue to pour your HEART into the game and represent the PRIDE. DETERMINATION, and SOUL of Memphis.
Congratulations on your second
#1
recruiting class in three years.
#GoTigersGo
Fear PARALYZES progress and I can not allow the cowardice acts and threats of a few to sidetrack us from our mission to prioritize SAFETY for ALL — including my own family. I appreciate the outpouring of support from so many throughout our community.
#StrongerTogether
Thanks again
@NBA
All-star
@MacBo50
for your generous $10K donation to help feed students! Families started lining up at 6AM!
@MSouthFoodBank
mobile pantry will be at the Board each Wednesday in April from 10AM-2PM. Families can drive up for a 14-day food box while supplies last.
Based on
@GovBillLee
’s order, TN will remain in a State of Emergency until at least August 29. To that end, I am considering a shift in the start and end of the 2020-21 school year (not altering # of days). We’ll be seeking input from educators and families about this option.
RECONCILIATION: A POWERFUL moment with the parents of both boys impacted by the Cummings K-8 incident. These families elected forgiveness. They chose LOVE over hate. We prayed for healing and restorative justice for our children and our city.
#Reimagining901
Our FREE meal distribution plan includes all
@SCSK12Unified
students 18 and under. However, we will NOT turn away a hungry child from any district including charters, municipalities and ASD.
#SCSis901
#COVID
ー19
Today, my father is 93 years-young! Dad is the anchor of our family and my first hero. His courage, wisdom, and knowledge still inspire me to strive for excellence. Dad is a living example of fatherhood!
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Due to ongoing
@MLGW
power outages and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our students, educators and families, all District schools will be CLOSED on Monday, February 7. All before/after-school activities are also cancelled.
We‘re changing the narrative in our District. Our focus is on teaching to LEARN rather than teaching to a test. We’re committed to improving academic achievement and we stand with teachers in revisiting standardized testing requirements in TN. I listen to and believe in TEACHERS!
Today is my official anniversary as superintendent
@scsk12unified
: Appointed December 12 and started my new leadership journey on January 19. As I reflect on the challenges and lessons learned over 365 days, I’m more HOPEFUL than ever that we can be CHANGE CHAMPIONS for CHILDREN!
Stay SAFE
@SCSK12Unified
students! We ARE 901. Support our teachers and families and be sure to follow
@SCSSuptRay
for the latest updates about reopening.
Our thoughts are with families who are still without power. We're in close contact with
@mlgw
and monitoring the ongoing outages across the county. Our facilities teams are working cross-functionally to assess schools and offices. We'll share an update later this afternoon.
I can’t begin to quantify the many, many small but powerful acts of devotion and commitment shown by my cabinet, administrators, instructional leaders, principals, teachers, and support staff.
THANK YOU for believing in my leadership. THANK YOU for believing in our students.
Seniors, we understand your frustration in these challenging times. Thank you for your patience and continued engagement in your education. We are currently working through several graduation scenarios and will share a plan by Monday, March 30. We will get through this TOGETHER.
The HOPE of a nation lies in the EDUCATION of its YOUTH. Congratulations President-Elect Biden. We look forward to shaping educational policy and proper funding that values teachers, students and families.
Tis the season! ✨
Team Morant and family (dad and uncle) provided all students
@DunbarES
with coats, special staff gifts, and sponsored wish lists.
Thank you
@JaMorant
for your generosity!
#SCSGiving
Our gradual reopening plan will be delayed. Our LOCAL decision to return in-person is the most challenging decision we’ve ever faced, but we will continue to prioritize the health of educators & students. We’ve come too far to turn our backs on SAFETY now.
As the leader of the largest TN district, I have grown increasingly concerned by the
@tssaa
’s inattention to equity and the impact of antiquated rules/regulations that penalize our students, particularly students of color from disadvantaged neighborhoods.
At the end of the day, I’m an ACADEMICIAN and I will not let political pressure drive District decisions or put children in harms way.
Thanks
@NBC
and
@MSNBC
for spending time in Memphis on our first day.
@SCSK12Unified
educators and students are 901 STRONG!
#ReturnStronger
#BREAKING
A TN judge has ruled the ESA Act or school voucher law to be UNCONSTITUTIONAL! This is excellent news for
@SCSK12Unified
and
@MetroSchools
as we continue to CHAMPION public education and equitable funding!
#NoVouchers
As the world watches and our
@SCSK12Unified
students witness what is happening on the U.S. Capitol, we must teach the importance of CIVILITY and uphold DEMOCRACY. We are STRONGER together in this UNITED States of America. We will keep the FAITH for brighter days ahead.
We’re extremely proud of
@SCSK12Unified
Chief Academic Officer Dr.
@AntonioMBurt
for his transformative leadership in public education and recent acceptance as a NATIONAL fellow in the inaugural cohort
@BroadCenter
at Yale School of Managememt. Congratulations!
#ServantLeadership
Thank you
@SuptEnfield
and other colleagues across the nation for the outpouring of support. Superintendents all over the nation are grappling with tough decisions around opening schools. No threat will deter me from keeping my students and staff members safe. Love >Hate!
All of us, as superintendents, should decry what is happening to
@SCSSuptRay
and let him know he is not alone. Many of us have been there. And those of us who have not likely will be at some point.
Once a Memphian, always a Memphian! 💛💙 Huge thank you to
@MacBo50
for continuing to support SCS, and answering our community call to action with his $10K donation to
@MSouthFoodBank
which helps feed students during this crisis!
#InThisTogether
#WeAre901
Regarding
@SpartansWSHS
Homecoming: Shelby County Schools policy prohibits discrimination, and the District is committed to ensuring a positive and respectful school environment where everyone is treated with dignity. Homecoming queen and king is a tradition...
Bursting in pride as our only child embarks on his next journey! “Don’t worry about me dad,” he said. “Take care of the 100K students who may not be as fortunate.” His words remind me of scripture: Be strong and COURAGEOUS. Be not afraid, for God will be with you wherever you go.
Our teams are monitoring the Mid-South Weather Advisory. Chances of inclement weather are low so please finish your homework and get plenty of rest
@SCSK12Unified
scholars. 📚
I’m sincerely grateful for the steadfast support of my leadership as I reaffirm my commitment to the HEART work in this great District. I’ve had to make some personal and professional sacrifices, but there is no place like home. Home is where the HEART is!
#StrongerTogether
Congratulations
@SCSSuptRay
! Tonight our School Board UNANIMOUSLY voted to extend his contract with the District until 2025. Read more about Dr. Ray’s exemplary leadership during his first year and a half of service:
It's with sadness that I share the passing of Dr. Audrean Bond-Jones, principal of Bethel Grove. Earlier, we informed her school family. Memories of her bright smile will forever linger. We welcome your reflections and hope that, in the coming days, they will comfort her family.
Congratulations Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. She credits her mother, a former scientific researcher and TEACHER for being her “greatest inspiration.” EDUCATION is the only solid foundation upon which our nation can build a future.
We STAND for SAFETY. Our decisions continue to be driven by science and in the best interest of children and educators.
We must RESPECT this virus.
#PleaseDontHurtOurChildren
Our request for help to maintain our original plan to feed thousands of students was met with an INCREDIBLE response from
@CityOfMemphis
and
@ShelbyCoTN
@TNedu
leaders and hundreds of restaurants. The District is finalizing a collaborative plan and will share an update by Sunday.
My heart aches for our
@SCSK12Unified
children.
Gun violence has no place in our schools or communities. My thoughts are with the Cummings K-8 family and child recovering
@LeBonheurChild
. Parent to parent, I just embraced the young man’s father and we prayed for better days.
School leaders are facing backlash across the NATION, but NO ONE will deter us from keeping our district SAFE and doing what’s best for the children and families
@SCSK12Unified
. I believe in our principals, teachers, and students.
#StrongerTogether
In the spirit of GIVING and servant leadership, I’m on the road today to brighten the holidays for our SCS families. 🎁 🙏🏾 First stop: Westwood HS twins. Grandmother’s reaction was PRICELESS! Stay tuned to
@voiceofscs
for Sleigh-Tracker updates throughout the day!
#SCSis901
Had to get a quick picture before “my guy,”
@JorisMarquis
walked across the stage! Now, the grading period for my wife and I begins- as he enters adulthood - how well did we do!? 😢The sunglasses are on because of his bright future -not for tears!😀
UPDATE: Today,
@GovBillLee
and the
@TNedu
shared guidance concerning school closures.
@SCSK12Unified
is planning a return date for students no earlier than Monday, April 6. All other District updates and guidance issued over the past week still apply.
This is what STRONGER TOGETHER looks like during a crisis! Our
@SCSK12Unified
educators and broadcast teams have been working around the clock to film 50 minute lessons for students that will be streamed on multiple television platforms!
School starts VIRTUALLY on Aug 31. We take our responsibility to provide a high-quality learning experience seriously. Every student will have live interaction with teachers, grab and go meals will be served, and accommodations/support will be made for special education students.
Tonight we honor the life of former Board Commissioner and Judge Teresa Jones — a leader with passion and integrity. Your tenacity helped steer EQUITY and EXCELLENCE in education.
@SCSK12Unified
is better because of your public service.
I am proud to represent Memphis and Shelby County tonight on
@NBCNightlyNews
as we discuss the current state of education amid the challenges of this pandemic. We must continue prioritize a SAFE and FLEXIBLE school year.
#ReturnStronger
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies…”
Buried Mom yesterday and the reality is that I can never touch her again. However, I know her spirit will always be with me. Happy Mother’s Day Mom and to all the mothers celebrating today.
SCS UPDATE: Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, the Board and I agree that we need to delay our gradual reopening and return no earlier than the second semester, February 8.
A few moments ago, I stood before the educators of Shelby County Schools with the sentiments of the Serenity Prayer in my heart. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
UPDATE: We must lean on the guidance of EXPERTS and not EMOTIONS. Our decision to postpone fall athletics until further notice is another unimaginable consequence of an unprecedented time. We will do all we can to return to play SAFELY.
Learn more:
Manhood is an opportunity for ACHIEVEMENT. Witnessing my son’s journey from a boy to a
@kapsi1911
MAN has built an unbreakable bond that will forever reap exceptional rewards.
@JorisMarquis
go forth and “be watchful, stand firm in faith, be strong, and do all things in love.”
ON THE MAP! Thanks
@GapInc
for featuring our very own
@thedopeeducator
in the NATIONAL spotlight for his innovative and enthusiastic approach to EDUCATION.
We’re
#Reimagining901
as we prioritize safety and welcome students BACK TO SCHOOL on August 9! >>
Due to ongoing power outages and hazardous conditions, all District schools will be closed on Friday, February 4. All before/after-school activities are also cancelled through the weekend.
Tonight, the City Council passed a final vote to approve funding to support our
@SCSK12Unified
access for ALL plan. Thank you
@CityOfMemphis
for your support as CHANGE CHAMPIONS as we strive to become a 1:1 District offering 21st century technology.
I would like to congratulate Mr. Daniel Warner of East HS on his selection as 1 of 9 finalists in TN for Teacher of the Year! He will also have the opportunity to join
@SchwinnTeach
’s Teacher Advisory Council. Thank you for your dedication and leadership!
Out of an abundance of caution, with expected freezing temps & hazardous road conditions in some of our rural communities, all District schools will be CLOSED on Thursday, Feb. 3.
All before/after-school activities are also cancelled. District offices will remain open.
Former
@NBA
player and
@SCSK12Unified
alum
@Lester26Hudson
made a generous donation to support our commitment to ACCESS FOR ALL. It’s yet another testament of how education and dedication paves the way for others. Thank you Mr. Hudson!
Today we celebrated the inaugural cohort
@uofmemphis
African American Male Academy. We’re so proud of the partnership with
@SCSK12Unified
middle schools as we empower young men of color. Scholars: Go forth, STAY DRIVEN. DREAM. BELIEVE and ACHIEVE WITH COURAGE. Congratulations!
Virtual learning is not perfect, but it is not broken. RETURNING STRONGER to schools is and has always been our priority.
I appreciate everyone who has spoken up and committed to standing with
@SCSK12Unified
!
#DontHurtOurChildren
.
Full interview here:
Obstructionism only leads to stone walls and while I am a builder, I am not interested in building walls between the District and County Commission. Coronavirus will NOT DEFEAT US, but only if we work in the spirit of community and put divisiveness aside.
“Train up a child in the way that he should go...” I’m proud to watch my only son
@JorisMarquis
flourish into an honorable young man. To now lead and educate 113,000 children, my fatherhood lessons have prepared me for such a time as this. Happy Father’s Day to all fathers.
BREAKING: Don’t miss Bruce Elementary School
@PrincipalMossJr
join
@TheEllenShow
today at 4PM on ABC! He’ll be discussing his engagement with his students and families during the school closure. We’re proud to have Principal Moss represent on the national stage! 💪🏾
#SCSis901
This pandemic has unmasked the sobering reality that many of our student-athletes view sports as their only escape from poverty. Sports is a tool but should not be the only opportunity and exposure for our students. We still believe that EDUCATION is the great equalizer.
UPDATE:
@SCSK12Unified
will remain closed until further notice. Our team meets daily to assess rapidly changing developments. We will continue to adhere to all local and state guidance concerning this unprecedented outbreak, and make the best decision on behalf of children.
BREAKING: It’s with great enthusiasm that I announce our plan to SAFELY phase-in students to schools in January! We’ll be honoring BOTH parent and teacher options for virtual or in-school learning as we
#ReturnStRONGER
in 2021! Learn more about our plan:
Nothing about the new school year will be ‘business as usual’ as we navigate an unprecedented time in history. The internet will go down and home environments won’t be perfect, but let’s show GRACE and we’ll overcome every challenge
#StrongerTogether
.
Thank you
@FWhitfield
@CNN
for allowing us to share this national platform. Our teachers have been PHENOMENAL! We appreciate
@POTUS
for prioritizing a vaccination strategy for educators and setting goals for reopening schools when it’s SAFE.
#DontHurtOurChildren
#WeAre901
A 4th grade
@clue901
student at Downtown Elementary, my sweet niece had an art assignment today to draw a portrait. Hmm, guess who she chose? I really like his suit.
#SCSArtsMatter
THANK YOU to the unsung heroes of our Nutrition Services team. We know hunger is a serious obstacle to learning. During this extended break, we will ensure students have INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT and NOURISHING MEALS. Visit for a full list of meal sites.
THANK YOU to every teacher who has reached out to me to share their thoughts and ideas for supporting students during the closure. I’m also extremely grateful for our District Teacher Advisory Council (DTAC) members who continue to offer solution-based feedback.
#HeartWork
❤️💙
Some may consider this worldwide health crisis a lose, lose situation for schools and education. Not so! We must see the light despite the darkness. CHANGE CHAMPIONS claim this to be a WIN, WIN for our children. We must speak LIFE!
Asking someone from Memphis where they graduated from tells you everything.
@SCSK12Unified
schools are the HEART and PRIDE of this city. We’re so grateful to have Treadwell HS grad
@Iam1Cent
stop by our
@voiceofscs
studios to share his “Love Affair with Memphis”
#SCSis901
💙❤️
The landscape of education as we know it has changed forever! We ask for GRACE and ask that you extend that same GRACE to our educators and families. WELCOME BACK to our incredible
@SCSK12Unified
teachers!
#StrongerTogether
💙♥️
It requires an immense level of engagement to keep little ones focused; but, 32 year veteran teacher, Ms. Bowers has just the right ingenuity and skill to support her 1st graders in a virtual world. Some questioned the adaptability of seasoned teachers — they TRIUMPHED! 💙♥️