Shelby County Commissioners took the first step toward funding a new high school for Frayser students, approving a nearly $34 million funding resolution on a first vote during the Wednesday, Dec. 11, Budget & Finance Committee meeting.
Members agreed with Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris’ bird-in-the-hand approach, which shifts funding earmarked in 2024 for a new high school in Cordova. The Memphis City Council rejected the proposed site for the East Region High School on Nov. 11, after it drew protests from area business leaders.
The resolution also guarantees replacement of the $34 million transferred to the Frayser school project. The money will cover the costs of the Cordova high school once it receives a green light. As it stands, it is “indefinitely delayed.” In contrast, the Frayser project is considered “shovel-ready.”
“I knew they would have questions about how a new investment in Frayser might interact with the previous commitment to new Cordova,” said Harris.“We’ve adjusted our five-year plan to make sure our previous commitment…to make sure the new East Region school remained intact and that there would be no money lost.”
Harris also asked members to cast a first vote during the meeting.
Voting in favor of the amended resolution were committee chair Miska Clay-Bibbs, Mick Wright, Erika Sugarmon, Edmond Ford Jr. and Henri Brooks.
The new high schools for Cordova and Frayser are part of an estimated $750 million budget that includes a 10-year plan to renovate and expand the Regional One Health campus. Commissioners have already approved the first $350 million. So far, Harris has faced challenges securing funding from the state. The schools, however, are on a faster, five-year timeline.
“The Regional One project is really a 10-year project, so it needs cash across multiple years for at least the next 10 years. The Frayser project, by contrast, is ready to rock and roll much sooner,” Harris said.
According to the students, teachers and administrators that spoke in support of the project, a new school could not come soon enough.
Built in 1960, the aging Trezevant High School has outlived its ability to serve students appropriately. Moreover, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) board members readily admit the school lacks many modern classroom settings and amenities found in more affluent schools.
Recent reports indicate basic needs – such as heating and cooling – are a problem because of continuing HVAC issues. Although temperature control issues are relatively new, discussions surrounding new schools have been ongoing for years.
“The conversations started well before me. So we owe the community an opportunity to see us make plain and realize what the commitment was several years ago,” said Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins. “By doing so, I think that we certainly provide students what they need to be in an energy efficient, modernized school while also making a commitment to the broader community.”
Feagins joined the school system in February.
With room to grow, the new Frayser high school would feature three STEM classrooms, performance areas for vocal and band groups, a broadcast production space, a graphic design classroom, an open learning area with natural lighting, athletic facilities, a community market and a laundry space.
“What we are offering them now is not fair. It is not equitable. It is not right. This is not a whimsical request. This is about our responsibility to provide our children with the resources they need to succeed,” said MSCS school board member Natalie McKinney. “Funding this school is not an option; it’s our obligation.”
A new football field would also be included in the deal.
“Right now, if you want to play football at Trezevant, you don’t have a home field,” said Harris.
The Bears currently play home games at Halle Stadium and Cordova High School. The distance between the latter and Trezevant is around 20 miles, and it typically takes a 25–30 minute commute.
Commissioner Amber Mills abstained from voting, preferring to review the numbers before the next meeting Monday, Dec. 16.
