Four Schools in Achievement School District to Return to Shelby County Schools for 2022-23 School Year

Monday, December 13, 2021 | 12:57pm

 

Shared Commitment for Seamless Transition for Families, Staff, Students

Memphis, TN– Today, the Tennessee Department of Education, Achievement School District (ASD), and Shelby County Schools (SCS) announced that four schools–  Frayser Achievement Elementary School, Corning Achievement Elementary School, Georgian Hills Achievement Elementary School and Whitney Achievement School– will return to Shelby County Schools following the 2021-22 school year.

“We are focused on doing what is best for all Tennessee students and ensuring they get what they deserve,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “The department has been working closely with Shelby County Schools to focus on how to make this a seamless transition for the families, parents, staff, and educators and to best serve our students and ensure they receive a high quality education.”

“We’re committed to welcoming back these families and implementing a transition plan that minimizes the impact on students and families,” said SCS Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray. “Our teams are working collaboratively with Commissioner Penny Schwinn and Superintendent Lisa Settle as we forge a path forward by reimagining education, schools, and communities.” 

“At the department, we are looking ahead and developing strong, student-centered transition plans to ensure families have timely information to best support their children,” said Dr. Eve Carney, Chief of Districts and Schools, Tennessee Department of Education. “We look forward to continuing to partner with Shelby County Schools to ensure families, students, educators, and staff feel supported and are set up for success.” 

“We are committed to our continued partnership with Shelby County Schools and the Tennessee Department of Education for a smooth transition for children. The Achievement School District was never meant to be a school’s forever home, and we know our students will continue to achieve and grow in their new school district,” said Dr. Lisa R. Settle, ASD Superintendent. 

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 49-1-614(k)(1), each school has a ten year limit in the Achievement School District. Frayser Achievement Elementary School, Corning Achievement Elementary School, and Georgian Hills Achievement Elementary School are currently in year ten and will return to SCS for the 2022-23 school year.

Additionally, T.C.A. § 49-1-614(k)(6) authorizes the removal of a school from the ASD at the Commissioner of Education’s discretion. Whitney Achievement Elementary School, currently in year nine of its ten-year tenure, will also be returning to SCS following the current school year, one year early.

The return of Whitney Achievement Elementary School one year early was a joint decision between the department, ASD, and SCS in the best interest of serving students to create a seamless transition– allowing SCS to plan strategically for students within the Reimagine 901 plan while also returning the ASD’s only remaining direct-run school.  

To ensure parents, families, and staff from the four schools remain informed, the department has been collaborating regularly with SCS for several months. Representatives from the ASD and SCS are hosting two informational sessions for parents and families:

  • Wednesday, December 15 at 5:30 p.m. CT 
    • Location: Trezevant High School, 3350 N. Trezevant St., Memphis, TN 38127
  • January 2022 (Date and time TBD)

For Shelby County Schools media inquiries, contact Media Relations at mediarelations@scsk12.org.

For Tennessee Department of Education and Achievement School District media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.   

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