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Memphis School Board Considers Closing Five Schools Amid Declining Enrollment

3/17/2026

23 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Memphis school board is considering closing five schools, including Ida B Wells Academy in Memphis, Tennessee, due to declining enrollment and high maintenance costs.
The district has lost over 10,000 students since 2014 and faces $1.6 billion in deferred maintenance.
The city's fertility rate has dropped, contributing to fewer students.
School board chair Natalie McKinney emphasized the need for better facilities to improve education quality.

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Story summary

The Memphis school board is considering closing five schools, including Ida B Wells Academy in Memphis, Tennessee, due to declining enrollment and high maintenance costs.
The district has lost over 10,000 students since 2014 and faces $1.6 billion in deferred maintenance.
The city's fertility rate has dropped, contributing to fewer students.
School board chair Natalie McKinney emphasized the need for better facilities to improve education quality.