In a unanimous decision that signals a major advance for educational infrastructure in Memphis, the Shelby County Commission approved a $33.9 million funding package for constructing a new Frayser High School, as reported by Memphis-Shelby County Schools' news release. The significant investment totals an overall project cost of $112 million, with this initial allocation paving the way for the school's development.
Having struggled with previous failed proposals, the approval represents a critical move, which, according to the funding blueprint, also includes an additional $9 million over five years intended for the construction roadmap of municipal schools. Addressing the longstanding need for educational facilities, the commission passed the resolution while maintaining its commitment to finding a solution for a new school in Cordova.
The set plans for the new high school feature various state-of-the-art amenities designed to serve future generations of students. The proposed facilities include advanced broadcast capabilities, cutting-edge graphic design classrooms, modern sports amenities, innovative open learning spaces, and JROTC facilities.
Dr. Marie Feagins, MSCS Superintendent, highlighted the district's dedication to the future of its students in a statement obtained by Memphis-Shelby County Schools' newsroom, "When we're talking about kids, there's nothing that we aren't willing to do for our youngest leaders." She asserted that the district's primary focus remains the 111,000 students who are future alumni of MCS.
The Shelby County Commission's resolution saw support from several commissioners, including Commissioner Thornton, who first presented the resolution, and Vice Chair Avant, among others. Their collective endorsement ensures that the project stays on schedule and makes good on a promise to the Frayser community that has been in the pipeline for a decade.
With funding now secured, the Shelby County Schools can look forward to kicking off the improvements that Dr. Feagins pointed out are overdue. "We are grateful for this investment to kickstart overdue school improvements and provide students with the safe, modern spaces they deserve in the Frayser community and beyond, marking a new chapter in educational excellence for Memphis and Shelby County," said Dr. Feagins in a statement obtained by Memphis Shelby County Schools.
