Shelby County residents protest charter schools closure plan
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Community members attended a Shelby County Schools board meeting to protest the proposed closure of charter schools.
The Commercial Appeal reports that about 40 people spoke during a two-hour public comment session Thursday. The meeting focused on the proposed budget for next fiscal year, which includes an $86 million gap that the district may fill with the closure of schools.
Superintendent Dorsey Hopson has proposed closing three direct-run schools and six charter schools. Hopson had originally proposed closing 10 schools – a move he said would have saved about $8 million.
Bryan McBride, a parent of a KIPP Memphis Collegiate Middle School student, says the plan would push parents out of Memphis.
Hopson encouraged the community to lobby the County Commission for additional funding.
