1 00:00:00,300 --> 00:00:02,536 - Production funding for behind the headlines 2 00:00:02,536 --> 00:00:06,773 is made possible in part by the WKNO production fund, 3 00:00:06,773 --> 00:00:09,076 the WKNO endowment fund. 4 00:00:09,076 --> 00:00:12,279 And by viewers like you, thank you. 5 00:00:12,279 --> 00:00:14,681 - How Shelby County schools will reopen 6 00:00:14,681 --> 00:00:17,184 tonight, on behind the headlines. 7 00:00:17,184 --> 00:00:19,753 [upbeat music] 8 00:00:33,667 --> 00:00:35,235 I'm Eric Barnes with the Daily Memphian. 9 00:00:35,235 --> 00:00:36,603 Thanks for joining us. 10 00:00:36,603 --> 00:00:39,139 Today is the third in a series of shows we've been doing 11 00:00:39,139 --> 00:00:42,309 on the challenges of reopening schools, 12 00:00:42,309 --> 00:00:44,144 specifically the Shelby County schools. 13 00:00:44,144 --> 00:00:47,347 But in the past few weeks we've talked to an epidemiologist 14 00:00:47,347 --> 00:00:50,484 about social emotional risks of reopening 15 00:00:50,484 --> 00:00:53,420 as well as the COVID risks, obviously of reopening. 16 00:00:53,420 --> 00:00:54,888 We've talked to a number of researchers 17 00:00:54,888 --> 00:00:57,991 who've looked at academic studies around the country 18 00:00:57,991 --> 00:00:59,726 and even around the world about 19 00:00:59,726 --> 00:01:04,631 best practices for reopening and the risks of learning loss. 20 00:01:04,631 --> 00:01:08,001 We had a head of the Freedom Prep Charter School Network, 21 00:01:08,001 --> 00:01:10,537 five charter schools covering pre-K through 12 22 00:01:10,537 --> 00:01:13,273 who had opened hybrid had closed back down. 23 00:01:13,273 --> 00:01:15,575 All those shows are available on wkno.org 24 00:01:15,575 --> 00:01:16,810 or you can go even go to YouTube 25 00:01:16,810 --> 00:01:18,378 and search for behind the headlines. 26 00:01:18,378 --> 00:01:20,814 Today, I'm very pleased to be joined by 27 00:01:20,814 --> 00:01:23,283 the chair of the Shelby County school board, 28 00:01:23,283 --> 00:01:24,818 Miska Clay Bibs. 29 00:01:24,818 --> 00:01:26,620 Miska, thank you for being here. 30 00:01:26,620 --> 00:01:28,555 - Hi Eric, thank you for having me. 31 00:01:28,555 --> 00:01:31,325 - And I'm also joined by Bill Dries, 32 00:01:31,325 --> 00:01:33,894 reporter with The Daily Memphian. 33 00:01:33,894 --> 00:01:35,729 As we start this, you know 34 00:01:35,729 --> 00:01:38,565 this last few shows we've done focused on this 35 00:01:38,565 --> 00:01:41,601 and in the fall we had superintendent Joris Ray on, 36 00:01:41,601 --> 00:01:44,871 I think twice in the fall talking about how, excuse me 37 00:01:44,871 --> 00:01:46,406 how virtual learning was going. 38 00:01:46,406 --> 00:01:48,942 We had superintendents from all, I believe all of the, 39 00:01:48,942 --> 00:01:51,311 the suburban schools have been on. 40 00:01:51,311 --> 00:01:52,479 I mean, if I've learned anything 41 00:01:52,479 --> 00:01:55,615 it's a simple thing, which is, this is not a simple issue. 42 00:01:55,615 --> 00:01:58,485 And so nothing I ask today or say today is in any way 43 00:01:58,485 --> 00:02:00,854 meant to reflect that there are easy answers 44 00:02:00,854 --> 00:02:04,224 and simple answers to this incredibly complicated problem. 45 00:02:04,224 --> 00:02:06,026 As in the, over the course of this month 46 00:02:06,026 --> 00:02:09,029 since we started these shows you all have announced 47 00:02:09,029 --> 00:02:11,598 you're going to reopen the Shelby County schools 48 00:02:11,598 --> 00:02:14,901 pre-K through fifth, will open on March 1st 49 00:02:14,901 --> 00:02:17,804 and then the sixth through 12th graders on March eight. 50 00:02:17,804 --> 00:02:19,773 My first question is, I mean 51 00:02:19,773 --> 00:02:22,609 you've been under intense pressure from the state, 52 00:02:22,609 --> 00:02:25,679 from local legislators, from the governor. 53 00:02:25,679 --> 00:02:28,348 Some even even talking about withholding funding 54 00:02:28,348 --> 00:02:30,817 to Shelby County schools, if they did not reopen 55 00:02:30,817 --> 00:02:32,819 and Shelby County schools is the last system 56 00:02:32,819 --> 00:02:36,056 not to have reopened in an optional or even hybrid way. 57 00:02:36,056 --> 00:02:38,125 Nashville Metro schools being the, 58 00:02:38,125 --> 00:02:40,027 or Metro Davidson schools being the other 59 00:02:40,027 --> 00:02:42,295 that chose to be up in a couple of weeks ago. 60 00:02:42,295 --> 00:02:45,365 So the real question is, are you reopening by choice 61 00:02:45,365 --> 00:02:47,801 or simply because the pressure got to be too great. 62 00:02:47,801 --> 00:02:51,004 - In that very question, there's a combination. 63 00:02:51,004 --> 00:02:52,639 I think we are definitely, 64 00:02:52,639 --> 00:02:55,275 at this point are opening by choice. 65 00:02:55,275 --> 00:02:59,946 There is a borderline and you have to get to a majority 66 00:02:59,946 --> 00:03:01,548 for any decision to move forward. 67 00:03:01,548 --> 00:03:02,516 So I think, you know 68 00:03:02,516 --> 00:03:04,618 that is me letting you know that there's a majority 69 00:03:04,618 --> 00:03:07,788 of the board members who have said, okay now is a good time. 70 00:03:07,788 --> 00:03:11,224 You know, when we make guiding decisions and, you know 71 00:03:11,224 --> 00:03:13,693 have guiding conversations with superintendent Ray, 72 00:03:13,693 --> 00:03:14,795 that is exactly, you know 73 00:03:14,795 --> 00:03:16,830 what we think about as we move forward. 74 00:03:16,830 --> 00:03:18,632 And the reality of it is there's still, 75 00:03:18,632 --> 00:03:20,901 there was absolutely some pressure from the state 76 00:03:20,901 --> 00:03:22,169 around what this looks like. 77 00:03:22,169 --> 00:03:23,437 So it's a combination. 78 00:03:23,437 --> 00:03:24,271 You know, again 79 00:03:24,271 --> 00:03:25,472 I'm glad you prefaced this whole conversation 80 00:03:25,472 --> 00:03:28,709 about there is no easy answer because there's not. 81 00:03:28,709 --> 00:03:31,211 I think, you know, one of the reasons why we stayed 82 00:03:31,211 --> 00:03:34,081 closed as long as we had is because 83 00:03:34,081 --> 00:03:36,183 we just have a different demographic, 84 00:03:36,183 --> 00:03:37,584 of families that we're serving 85 00:03:37,584 --> 00:03:39,986 and community looks different. 86 00:03:39,986 --> 00:03:43,457 So for us, we, it was make making sure we maintain 87 00:03:43,457 --> 00:03:45,826 that our families were safe and our teachers were safe. 88 00:03:45,826 --> 00:03:48,462 So we are where we are today. 89 00:03:48,462 --> 00:03:50,430 And I think based upon the fact that people, I think, 90 00:03:50,430 --> 00:03:52,165 also, this is a community issue. 91 00:03:52,165 --> 00:03:54,034 You know, we need the community to understand 92 00:03:54,034 --> 00:03:57,237 that they must take, you know, things say safely as well 93 00:03:57,237 --> 00:03:59,506 and the numbers are going down. 94 00:03:59,506 --> 00:04:01,241 They're kind of consistent right now 95 00:04:01,241 --> 00:04:02,175 which is a great thing. 96 00:04:02,175 --> 00:04:04,511 So I hope they continue to stay that way. 97 00:04:04,511 --> 00:04:06,546 - Let me ask you just some logistical questions 98 00:04:06,546 --> 00:04:08,048 and then we'll bring Bill Dries in, 99 00:04:08,048 --> 00:04:09,749 this is optional for parents. 100 00:04:10,917 --> 00:04:12,486 - It is optional. 101 00:04:12,486 --> 00:04:16,289 - Yes, the teachers will, who've been doing virtual school 102 00:04:16,289 --> 00:04:17,257 from maybe from their homes. 103 00:04:17,257 --> 00:04:18,925 All teachers will be back in the building 104 00:04:18,925 --> 00:04:20,894 whether they're teaching in-person class 105 00:04:20,894 --> 00:04:23,663 or they're doing virtual school, do I have that correct? 106 00:04:23,663 --> 00:04:25,332 - That is correct. 107 00:04:25,332 --> 00:04:29,202 - And then the folks who have been pressuring you 108 00:04:29,202 --> 00:04:31,471 to reopen, other school systems as well, 109 00:04:31,471 --> 00:04:33,473 but obviously just talking about Shelby County schools, 110 00:04:33,473 --> 00:04:34,841 there are number of things they point to. 111 00:04:34,841 --> 00:04:37,410 One of the main ones is the CDC guidelines, 112 00:04:37,410 --> 00:04:38,578 which wrapped up, you know, 113 00:04:38,578 --> 00:04:41,381 went to a number of studies have been done that so far. 114 00:04:41,381 --> 00:04:43,683 And with a fair number of school systems having opened 115 00:04:43,683 --> 00:04:45,352 some staying open the whole time, 116 00:04:46,186 --> 00:04:48,188 the schools have not been the source 117 00:04:48,188 --> 00:04:51,658 of a dramatically large amount of spread and infection. 118 00:04:51,658 --> 00:04:53,760 There are many caveats on that. 119 00:04:53,760 --> 00:04:54,761 That there was enough distancing, 120 00:04:54,761 --> 00:04:57,597 there were masks, there were proper ventilation. 121 00:04:57,597 --> 00:05:00,534 Do you feel like the CDC guidelines are, 122 00:05:00,534 --> 00:05:01,835 you're gonna be able to meet those 123 00:05:01,835 --> 00:05:03,069 within Shelby County schools 124 00:05:03,069 --> 00:05:06,306 and thus this is safe to do. 125 00:05:06,306 --> 00:05:10,410 - So, you know, first, let me just say great question. 126 00:05:10,410 --> 00:05:12,245 'Cause I know people are bringing it up and, you know 127 00:05:12,245 --> 00:05:15,015 trying to use that force around as a guiding principle. 128 00:05:15,015 --> 00:05:17,050 The reality of it is though the guidelines 129 00:05:17,050 --> 00:05:18,985 and I think oftentimes guidelines are made 130 00:05:18,985 --> 00:05:21,655 not necessarily with who we are in mind. 131 00:05:21,655 --> 00:05:22,722 You know, we are, 132 00:05:23,623 --> 00:05:26,426 Well, I would say this Shelby County schools 133 00:05:26,426 --> 00:05:27,761 is the center of community. 134 00:05:27,761 --> 00:05:31,031 I think a lot of where we are is happened 135 00:05:31,031 --> 00:05:33,733 because we have maintained and been vigilant around 136 00:05:33,733 --> 00:05:35,969 keeping families safe at home. 137 00:05:35,969 --> 00:05:39,439 So that's one thing it's also community aspect to this 138 00:05:39,439 --> 00:05:40,373 because now, you know 139 00:05:40,373 --> 00:05:43,476 families are going back into buildings, it will shift. 140 00:05:43,476 --> 00:05:45,745 The reality of it is when you have guidelines, 141 00:05:46,846 --> 00:05:50,083 my question would be, because we are actually 142 00:05:50,083 --> 00:05:52,919 the number two employer in the city 143 00:05:52,919 --> 00:05:54,754 and number three in the whole state 144 00:05:54,754 --> 00:05:56,256 I mean I have those reversed. 145 00:05:56,256 --> 00:05:58,425 But the reality of is, so you're saying 146 00:05:58,425 --> 00:06:00,227 that the center of community 147 00:06:00,227 --> 00:06:02,295 now is going back into the building. 148 00:06:02,295 --> 00:06:05,165 So we have to be extra cautious around what that looks like. 149 00:06:05,165 --> 00:06:08,301 So that's why I often question around or make the statement 150 00:06:08,301 --> 00:06:10,237 that those are guidelines and guiding principles. 151 00:06:10,237 --> 00:06:13,306 And we're going to do everything we can do to meet that. 152 00:06:13,306 --> 00:06:16,610 I think families who have decided to go in 153 00:06:16,610 --> 00:06:19,379 and that number is about 31, 32% 154 00:06:19,379 --> 00:06:20,914 and the rest are staying home. 155 00:06:20,914 --> 00:06:26,019 So in that reality, there should not be a problem. 156 00:06:26,019 --> 00:06:27,754 The, well, some school, 157 00:06:27,754 --> 00:06:28,989 last question before I go to Bill, 158 00:06:28,989 --> 00:06:31,291 will some schools maybe because of ventilation 159 00:06:31,291 --> 00:06:32,892 or just their physical layout, 160 00:06:32,892 --> 00:06:34,194 the physical, you know 161 00:06:34,194 --> 00:06:36,463 that you won't be able to get enough distancing, 162 00:06:36,463 --> 00:06:38,298 will, some schools may be not open, 163 00:06:38,298 --> 00:06:40,634 or will all of them be open? 164 00:06:40,634 --> 00:06:42,435 Well, I mean, the school itself is only 165 00:06:42,435 --> 00:06:45,071 is only, it's based upon who's deciding to go in. 166 00:06:45,071 --> 00:06:47,407 So let's keep that as the number one thing 167 00:06:47,407 --> 00:06:49,442 because there are some schools that 168 00:06:49,442 --> 00:06:51,778 a whole school community may decide, 169 00:06:51,778 --> 00:06:53,413 we're not going into the building. 170 00:06:53,413 --> 00:06:54,915 Let's be realistic about that. 171 00:06:54,915 --> 00:06:57,851 When you have over 75% of your family saying, 172 00:06:57,851 --> 00:06:59,886 they do not want to go back into a building. 173 00:06:59,886 --> 00:07:01,354 There may be some schools 174 00:07:01,354 --> 00:07:04,190 that still may have adults only in the building. 175 00:07:04,190 --> 00:07:05,258 Let me bring in Bill Dries. 176 00:07:05,258 --> 00:07:07,227 And we were doing a first, 10-and-a-half years 177 00:07:07,227 --> 00:07:08,061 we've been doing this show 178 00:07:08,061 --> 00:07:09,362 and Bill is joining us by phone 179 00:07:09,362 --> 00:07:11,898 because it's still feels like 2020 today. 180 00:07:11,898 --> 00:07:13,500 But Bill, thanks for being here by phone 181 00:07:13,500 --> 00:07:15,168 and go ahead with that, Miska Clay Bibs, 182 00:07:15,168 --> 00:07:17,437 the chair of the Shelby County school board. 183 00:07:18,571 --> 00:07:19,406 - Thank you, Eric 184 00:07:19,406 --> 00:07:21,341 and sorry for the inconvenience this morning 185 00:07:21,341 --> 00:07:23,143 as we record this. 186 00:07:24,411 --> 00:07:28,915 Chairwoman, let me ask you about where parents are on this 187 00:07:28,915 --> 00:07:31,718 and you cited the figure of 31 to 32% 188 00:07:31,718 --> 00:07:36,156 choosing to go back to in-person classes. 189 00:07:37,123 --> 00:07:39,259 I think sometimes we get the impression 190 00:07:39,259 --> 00:07:42,095 that parents are all of one mind on this. 191 00:07:42,095 --> 00:07:45,699 Give me an idea of what you hear from parents about this. 192 00:07:46,633 --> 00:07:49,135 - Let me tell you in the community that I represent, 193 00:07:49,135 --> 00:07:52,439 which is you know, parts of Hickory Ridge, 194 00:07:52,439 --> 00:07:56,843 Hickory Hill community, parts of South East Memphis, 195 00:07:56,843 --> 00:07:57,877 parts of white Haven, 196 00:07:57,877 --> 00:07:59,913 parts of South Memphis in the airport corridor. 197 00:07:59,913 --> 00:08:01,147 They've been very clear with me 198 00:08:01,147 --> 00:08:03,350 that they are not going back into the building. 199 00:08:03,350 --> 00:08:05,919 You know, they are overwhelmingly stating 200 00:08:05,919 --> 00:08:08,121 that that is something that they are, you know, 201 00:08:08,121 --> 00:08:10,724 concerned with and they wanna make sure that they stay safe. 202 00:08:10,724 --> 00:08:12,392 You know, and I, and I'm saying overwhelming 203 00:08:12,392 --> 00:08:14,994 because you know, there may be some families within 204 00:08:14,994 --> 00:08:16,563 you know, my district can say yes, 205 00:08:16,563 --> 00:08:18,732 but the majority of them that have reached out to me 206 00:08:18,732 --> 00:08:20,600 have been very clear that they are not. 207 00:08:20,600 --> 00:08:23,937 You know, I think when you still have about, 208 00:08:23,937 --> 00:08:27,640 when you have over 70% with the last time we did a survey 209 00:08:27,640 --> 00:08:29,576 and we are giving them another opportunity 210 00:08:29,576 --> 00:08:31,745 to change the choice right now, as we speak 211 00:08:31,745 --> 00:08:33,546 before March 1st hits, 212 00:08:33,546 --> 00:08:38,551 the numbers were over 70% saying no and the rest saying yes. 213 00:08:38,818 --> 00:08:42,322 So I think what is happening is in this conversation 214 00:08:42,322 --> 00:08:45,759 people are forgetting that the families who are saying no 215 00:08:45,759 --> 00:08:48,595 had been very vigilant about no, they're not ready yet. 216 00:08:49,562 --> 00:08:52,265 - And when was the previous survey that you did 217 00:08:52,265 --> 00:08:54,968 where you asked parents to indicate their choice? 218 00:08:54,968 --> 00:08:58,004 - It was done like around mid winter 219 00:08:58,004 --> 00:08:59,539 because originally when we had, 220 00:08:59,539 --> 00:09:02,375 the thinking was we were saying in February, 221 00:09:02,375 --> 00:09:05,512 because it was right before the holiday break 222 00:09:05,512 --> 00:09:06,713 around that time. 223 00:09:06,713 --> 00:09:08,481 And I think because we were really being hopeful 224 00:09:08,481 --> 00:09:10,750 that vaccines would be available earlier. 225 00:09:10,750 --> 00:09:13,019 And that has been a large part of the conversation 226 00:09:13,019 --> 00:09:16,055 in now that vaccines are now becoming more available 227 00:09:16,055 --> 00:09:18,425 which for me was something that I really wanted to have 228 00:09:18,425 --> 00:09:21,394 as a resource for teachers 229 00:09:21,394 --> 00:09:24,330 and for families before making that decision. 230 00:09:25,532 --> 00:09:26,800 - Do you know 231 00:09:26,800 --> 00:09:30,003 do you have verifiable figures at this point 232 00:09:30,003 --> 00:09:34,441 on what the learning loss might be 233 00:09:34,441 --> 00:09:38,478 from the time that we've been away from in-person classes, 234 00:09:38,478 --> 00:09:41,481 because as you know, there's a lot of discussion about that 235 00:09:41,481 --> 00:09:43,850 and there are even some numbers that are being thrown around 236 00:09:43,850 --> 00:09:47,520 about what the learning loss might look like. 237 00:09:47,520 --> 00:09:49,389 - Yeah, you know, I would say this, 238 00:09:49,389 --> 00:09:51,858 we did a committee meeting about 239 00:09:51,858 --> 00:09:53,626 a couple months ago on learning loss. 240 00:09:53,626 --> 00:09:54,761 And it was just really showing 241 00:09:54,761 --> 00:09:57,030 that the learning loss is not any greater 242 00:09:57,030 --> 00:09:59,199 than what it would have been had we been in the building. 243 00:09:59,199 --> 00:10:02,635 You know, I can definitely refer you to those numbers 244 00:10:02,635 --> 00:10:05,805 from our chief academic officer Dr. Antonio Bert, 245 00:10:05,805 --> 00:10:08,141 but he was, we use mastery connect, 246 00:10:08,141 --> 00:10:10,076 is how we capture information. 247 00:10:10,076 --> 00:10:12,212 And within that, it was showing that 248 00:10:12,212 --> 00:10:14,948 part of it was some of our, you know, 249 00:10:14,948 --> 00:10:18,618 our early learning students, like our pre-K 250 00:10:18,618 --> 00:10:20,553 through second graders, were actually 251 00:10:20,553 --> 00:10:23,156 a little bit ahead of schedule and just right on par 252 00:10:23,156 --> 00:10:25,425 because of the family involvement that they're getting. 253 00:10:25,425 --> 00:10:28,394 But the reality of it is the numbers are not as skewed 254 00:10:28,394 --> 00:10:29,796 as what people are using around 255 00:10:29,796 --> 00:10:31,865 what learning loss looks like for us. 256 00:10:31,865 --> 00:10:34,300 Because again, I think the disconnect 257 00:10:34,300 --> 00:10:36,536 that people have had with Shelby in particular 258 00:10:36,536 --> 00:10:39,205 around this conversation, is teachers are teaching. 259 00:10:39,205 --> 00:10:41,174 Teachers are really showing up. 260 00:10:41,174 --> 00:10:44,644 I visited virtual classrooms several times in my district 261 00:10:44,644 --> 00:10:47,547 and they are really showing up and I have to applaud them 262 00:10:47,547 --> 00:10:49,549 for all of the hard work that they're doing. 263 00:10:51,284 --> 00:10:54,521 - I know that recently you were able 264 00:10:54,521 --> 00:10:58,157 to get some vaccinations for teachers. 265 00:10:58,157 --> 00:11:02,829 It is, is your goal here to get what vaccinations you can 266 00:11:02,829 --> 00:11:04,731 for teachers prior to the, 267 00:11:04,731 --> 00:11:08,101 this phased in reopening for in-person classes? 268 00:11:09,235 --> 00:11:11,671 - Absolutely, I think, you know, 269 00:11:11,671 --> 00:11:13,806 and I'm talking from my personal perspective, 270 00:11:13,806 --> 00:11:16,576 you know, again I always maintain we're a board of nine 271 00:11:16,576 --> 00:11:19,012 and, you know there means nine different opinions. 272 00:11:19,012 --> 00:11:21,314 But my personal opinion was the fact that I realized 273 00:11:21,314 --> 00:11:23,716 that vaccines really needs to be a resource 274 00:11:23,716 --> 00:11:25,818 as we ask teachers to come into buildings. 275 00:11:25,818 --> 00:11:29,856 So I'm excited that there has been a bigger push 276 00:11:29,856 --> 00:11:31,558 around making sure that that's available. 277 00:11:31,558 --> 00:11:34,561 Unfortunately, one of those days was 278 00:11:34,561 --> 00:11:36,563 right in the middle of a snow storm 279 00:11:36,563 --> 00:11:38,231 that happened earlier this week 280 00:11:38,231 --> 00:11:41,568 but we're also just heard recently that they are 281 00:11:41,568 --> 00:11:44,804 trying to push more vaccines to us. 282 00:11:44,804 --> 00:11:47,373 So hopefully that will get going faster. 283 00:11:47,373 --> 00:11:49,475 And, you know, the County commission also is 284 00:11:49,475 --> 00:11:50,877 they're pushing on their side 285 00:11:50,877 --> 00:11:54,380 to make sure vaccines become more available. 286 00:11:54,380 --> 00:11:56,449 - And before I send you back to Eric, 287 00:11:56,449 --> 00:12:00,653 in that regard, is the school system involved 288 00:12:00,653 --> 00:12:02,422 in talks with the state 289 00:12:02,422 --> 00:12:06,192 about moving teachers up in the line 290 00:12:06,192 --> 00:12:08,161 so to speak for vaccinations? 291 00:12:09,162 --> 00:12:12,031 - We absolutely have had that conversation several times, 292 00:12:12,031 --> 00:12:14,233 we did not get an answer. 293 00:12:14,233 --> 00:12:15,969 So we're thankful for those who've decided 294 00:12:15,969 --> 00:12:17,904 to help us advocate. 295 00:12:17,904 --> 00:12:20,540 - Was, a quick thing on vaccinations. 296 00:12:20,540 --> 00:12:23,176 There was a little bit of Dr. Joris Ray superintendent 297 00:12:23,176 --> 00:12:26,546 got a vaccine this past week when there was suddenly 298 00:12:26,546 --> 00:12:30,083 an, as has happened in many, many cases around the, 299 00:12:30,083 --> 00:12:32,352 the city and County, suddenly vaccine is available, 300 00:12:32,352 --> 00:12:33,386 they don't want it to go to waste 301 00:12:33,386 --> 00:12:35,054 and, you know, shot them out 302 00:12:35,054 --> 00:12:36,823 he was able to get a vaccine. 303 00:12:36,823 --> 00:12:38,625 Some people pushed back that wasn't appropriate. 304 00:12:38,625 --> 00:12:41,594 He said that, "Look, I'm modeling good behavior. 305 00:12:41,594 --> 00:12:44,297 We do have some hesitancy among teachers. 306 00:12:44,297 --> 00:12:45,732 It's been true across the board. 307 00:12:45,732 --> 00:12:48,301 All kinds of professions where there's hesitancy to get it." 308 00:12:48,301 --> 00:12:51,204 Was it appropriate for Dr. Ray to get a shot? 309 00:12:51,204 --> 00:12:52,972 - Absolutely, I mean, when I say it was appropriate 310 00:12:52,972 --> 00:12:55,575 because he really, if buildings are open, 311 00:12:55,575 --> 00:12:56,943 he's gonna be in the building. 312 00:12:56,943 --> 00:12:58,611 Now, one of the things that I, 313 00:12:58,611 --> 00:13:02,248 most of my school visits that I've done with him 314 00:13:02,248 --> 00:13:03,516 have been all in person. 315 00:13:03,516 --> 00:13:06,252 So that's how I know what's happening inside those buildings 316 00:13:06,252 --> 00:13:08,087 in my district, had been with him. 317 00:13:08,087 --> 00:13:10,623 Then my virtual visits of course had been aligned. 318 00:13:10,623 --> 00:13:12,892 But the reality of it is, when I choose to go in a building 319 00:13:12,892 --> 00:13:14,661 most of those times I'm going with him. 320 00:13:14,661 --> 00:13:17,964 So he is absolutely in and out, in and out of buildings 321 00:13:17,964 --> 00:13:18,965 on the regular. 322 00:13:18,965 --> 00:13:20,800 So if he's asking teachers to go back 323 00:13:20,800 --> 00:13:22,902 that means he's showing up in the building as well. 324 00:13:22,902 --> 00:13:25,705 - Do you, on that issue of hesitancy 325 00:13:25,705 --> 00:13:27,540 or resistance to getting the vaccine, 326 00:13:27,540 --> 00:13:29,175 do you, have you all surveyed teachers 327 00:13:29,175 --> 00:13:30,309 and staff on that front? 328 00:13:30,309 --> 00:13:32,812 Do you have any sense if it is widespread resistance 329 00:13:32,812 --> 00:13:34,747 or is it a small number? 330 00:13:34,747 --> 00:13:37,884 - I think early on, they did a survey asking teachers about 331 00:13:37,884 --> 00:13:40,887 who would be interested in taking the vaccine. 332 00:13:40,887 --> 00:13:43,289 And I don't wanna misquote the number 333 00:13:43,289 --> 00:13:48,428 but it was probably around 40% who went ahead and said yes 334 00:13:48,428 --> 00:13:50,797 that they would, and this was way before we even know 335 00:13:50,797 --> 00:13:52,432 when the vaccine was gonna be available. 336 00:13:52,432 --> 00:13:53,266 - Got you, got you. 337 00:13:53,266 --> 00:13:55,068 Which is a lifetime ago. 338 00:13:55,068 --> 00:13:56,502 On this issue of learning loss, 339 00:13:56,502 --> 00:13:58,871 the other concern folks have, people have had 340 00:13:58,871 --> 00:14:02,742 and have brought up and I've talked to educators about this 341 00:14:02,742 --> 00:14:05,611 is kids who are just sort of have disappeared 342 00:14:05,611 --> 00:14:09,482 or are only erratic in logging into virtual school. 343 00:14:09,482 --> 00:14:12,051 That is obviously, even one kid is very concerning 344 00:14:12,051 --> 00:14:14,654 but some have talked about very widespread issues 345 00:14:14,654 --> 00:14:17,023 about that, of kids who are just kind of not logging in 346 00:14:17,023 --> 00:14:20,093 not getting on their zoom calls, the classrooms. 347 00:14:20,093 --> 00:14:21,594 Do you know what those numbers are 348 00:14:21,594 --> 00:14:24,497 and what all can you do about it right now? 349 00:14:25,364 --> 00:14:27,200 - I don't know what those numbers are 350 00:14:27,200 --> 00:14:30,103 but I will say this is an opportunity 351 00:14:30,103 --> 00:14:31,838 because we are pushing them. 352 00:14:31,838 --> 00:14:33,005 These are the same questions. 353 00:14:33,005 --> 00:14:34,874 You know, Eric, thank you for asking. 354 00:14:34,874 --> 00:14:36,776 These are the same questions that we as a board 355 00:14:36,776 --> 00:14:38,711 ask our administration around 356 00:14:38,711 --> 00:14:40,079 what are we gonna do about it? 357 00:14:40,079 --> 00:14:43,716 And they have a strong family community engagement plan 358 00:14:43,716 --> 00:14:45,718 as well as a strong academic plan 359 00:14:45,718 --> 00:14:47,353 in order to be able to meet the needs of those families. 360 00:14:47,353 --> 00:14:49,222 Because the reality of it is, 361 00:14:50,757 --> 00:14:53,693 I think as I said in a different interview is that 362 00:14:53,693 --> 00:14:55,161 none of this is normal. 363 00:14:55,161 --> 00:14:58,664 And we're trying to put normal, make this a normal situation 364 00:14:58,664 --> 00:14:59,899 with a normal fix. 365 00:14:59,899 --> 00:15:02,535 So it's gonna take actually extra effort. 366 00:15:02,535 --> 00:15:04,971 It's gonna take extra input from families. 367 00:15:04,971 --> 00:15:07,306 It's gonna take extra input for all involved 368 00:15:07,306 --> 00:15:09,075 in order for us to make sure that we, 369 00:15:09,075 --> 00:15:10,843 you know, feel all of the gaps. 370 00:15:10,843 --> 00:15:12,678 And this is the opportunity. 371 00:15:12,678 --> 00:15:14,747 You know, I don't look at things in a negative. 372 00:15:14,747 --> 00:15:16,949 I always see an opportunity for growth. 373 00:15:16,949 --> 00:15:18,651 So this is an opportunity for growth 374 00:15:18,651 --> 00:15:20,887 for our family and community engagement, 375 00:15:20,887 --> 00:15:25,091 as well as some of our truancy team to work together 376 00:15:25,091 --> 00:15:26,826 in collaboration around what it looks like 377 00:15:26,826 --> 00:15:28,628 to connect with families. 378 00:15:28,628 --> 00:15:31,931 - The, we talk about learning loss 379 00:15:31,931 --> 00:15:32,765 and you were talking about, you know, 380 00:15:32,765 --> 00:15:35,034 not as bad as the numbers and 381 00:15:35,034 --> 00:15:36,936 that people are throwing around. 382 00:15:36,936 --> 00:15:39,939 But do you think that there will be 383 00:15:39,939 --> 00:15:42,375 at some point we will get past this, right? 384 00:15:42,375 --> 00:15:43,476 I mean, at some point. 385 00:15:43,476 --> 00:15:44,977 Will there be a need at that point 386 00:15:44,977 --> 00:15:48,714 to address the kids who have fallen behind, 387 00:15:48,714 --> 00:15:50,950 the kids who haven't been able or have chosen 388 00:15:50,950 --> 00:15:53,653 or just for whatever reason have not been able to log in 389 00:15:53,653 --> 00:15:55,555 and participate in virtual school. 390 00:15:55,555 --> 00:15:58,257 People have talked about, and the state has talked about 391 00:15:58,257 --> 00:16:01,027 summer camps or summer school. 392 00:16:01,027 --> 00:16:02,562 There's potential of tutoring. 393 00:16:02,562 --> 00:16:05,598 What are your plans for those kids who have fallen behind 394 00:16:05,598 --> 00:16:09,101 somewhat or dramatically to get them caught back up? 395 00:16:09,101 --> 00:16:10,136 - Great question, Eric. 396 00:16:10,136 --> 00:16:12,705 And I'm just gonna start off with saying what 397 00:16:12,705 --> 00:16:16,342 I hope that this same level of advocacy and concern 398 00:16:16,342 --> 00:16:18,711 is will happen beyond this pandemic. 399 00:16:18,711 --> 00:16:19,812 In Shelby County schools 400 00:16:19,812 --> 00:16:22,515 we've been working really hard just in general making sure 401 00:16:22,515 --> 00:16:25,751 we offer opportunities for students during the summer 402 00:16:25,751 --> 00:16:26,953 to be able to catch them up. 403 00:16:26,953 --> 00:16:29,455 You know, we have our superintendents learning Academy 404 00:16:29,455 --> 00:16:31,724 that has been happening for the past several years 405 00:16:31,724 --> 00:16:35,061 that we make available to all students who, 406 00:16:35,061 --> 00:16:36,996 whose families shoots for them to attend. 407 00:16:36,996 --> 00:16:39,565 Our summer school, you know, options are robust. 408 00:16:39,565 --> 00:16:41,534 We make sure that we have them connected. 409 00:16:41,534 --> 00:16:45,137 We also have fall in spring learning Academy 410 00:16:45,137 --> 00:16:47,206 so this is not new for us. 411 00:16:47,206 --> 00:16:48,808 So I think that's the aspect of it. 412 00:16:48,808 --> 00:16:50,276 I wanna just start off by saying 413 00:16:50,276 --> 00:16:52,945 the work that we're doing is very consistent. 414 00:16:52,945 --> 00:16:55,448 Again, I hope that the same people who are pushing 415 00:16:55,448 --> 00:16:58,017 for advocating for quote, unquote learning loss 416 00:16:58,017 --> 00:17:01,520 and summer programming, keep it up way beyond the pandemic 417 00:17:01,520 --> 00:17:02,889 because this is the work Shelby County schools 418 00:17:02,889 --> 00:17:04,690 has been doing for quite some time. 419 00:17:04,690 --> 00:17:06,893 And this just means we're revving it up. 420 00:17:06,893 --> 00:17:09,462 These are the same things we will consistently do. 421 00:17:09,462 --> 00:17:10,296 These are the same things 422 00:17:10,296 --> 00:17:12,798 that we wanna make sure are available, but more importantly, 423 00:17:12,798 --> 00:17:13,633 we wanna make sure 424 00:17:13,633 --> 00:17:15,601 for those who are not familiar with it 425 00:17:15,601 --> 00:17:18,371 are familiar with it and make sure that they sign up. 426 00:17:18,371 --> 00:17:19,906 - One more question before I go back to Bill. 427 00:17:19,906 --> 00:17:22,541 And that is one of the other, in the series of shows 428 00:17:22,541 --> 00:17:24,644 that we've done lately, and I've seen it elsewhere 429 00:17:24,644 --> 00:17:25,611 and heard it elsewhere, 430 00:17:25,611 --> 00:17:28,447 that people point to for the the need to reopen 431 00:17:28,447 --> 00:17:32,551 is the social-emotional aspect of kids being isolated, 432 00:17:32,551 --> 00:17:36,656 of kids, you know, just, just, I mean, depression and I mean 433 00:17:36,656 --> 00:17:40,059 just terrible stats on suicidal thoughts. 434 00:17:40,059 --> 00:17:42,128 And we talked to an expert about that last week. 435 00:17:42,128 --> 00:17:44,897 These are national kind of stats. 436 00:17:44,897 --> 00:17:46,866 Some kids aren't doing well with this, right? 437 00:17:46,866 --> 00:17:49,101 They don't get to play, they don't get to see friends, 438 00:17:49,101 --> 00:17:50,536 they don't have socialization. 439 00:17:50,536 --> 00:17:54,040 How much does that weigh on you as the board chair 440 00:17:54,040 --> 00:17:57,143 and as a board, as a school system, as a whole? 441 00:17:57,143 --> 00:17:59,111 I think it weighs on us heavily period. 442 00:17:59,111 --> 00:18:02,982 You know, we take our SEL programming very important. 443 00:18:02,982 --> 00:18:06,352 Even before the pandemic, we always, 444 00:18:06,352 --> 00:18:08,287 let me not say we always, there was a group of us 445 00:18:08,287 --> 00:18:10,756 that really pushed the thought around 446 00:18:10,756 --> 00:18:12,892 beefing up what our SEL programming looked like. 447 00:18:12,892 --> 00:18:14,827 And then the pandemic hit. 448 00:18:14,827 --> 00:18:16,462 Luckily we had already decided 449 00:18:16,462 --> 00:18:18,397 to make some investments in that. 450 00:18:18,397 --> 00:18:19,699 So for those who are choosing 451 00:18:19,699 --> 00:18:20,933 to come back into the building, 452 00:18:20,933 --> 00:18:23,235 they will now have access to that. 453 00:18:23,235 --> 00:18:25,605 And then even when the pandemic first started 454 00:18:25,605 --> 00:18:29,342 we made sure that we had opportunities for connection 455 00:18:29,342 --> 00:18:32,111 around mental health that were really important 456 00:18:32,111 --> 00:18:33,212 and it is something. 457 00:18:33,212 --> 00:18:37,249 But I think the other aspect is like moving it, you know 458 00:18:37,249 --> 00:18:40,686 out broader is that this is happening to everyone. 459 00:18:40,686 --> 00:18:42,221 It's not just the students. 460 00:18:42,221 --> 00:18:43,456 I think, you know, it's important 461 00:18:43,456 --> 00:18:45,224 for us to understand the fact that 462 00:18:45,224 --> 00:18:47,493 this is happening across the nation. 463 00:18:47,493 --> 00:18:49,528 And it's also happening to adults. 464 00:18:49,528 --> 00:18:52,198 As I mentioned to someone in another interview 465 00:18:52,198 --> 00:18:56,836 I have literally been at my desk and doing, you know 466 00:18:56,836 --> 00:18:59,739 phone calls and working from my desk 467 00:18:59,739 --> 00:19:01,974 since March 15th of last year. 468 00:19:01,974 --> 00:19:03,743 So there's, you know, I, you know 469 00:19:03,743 --> 00:19:06,045 adults are not having the same interaction. 470 00:19:06,045 --> 00:19:08,714 My son is a first semester college student. 471 00:19:08,714 --> 00:19:11,183 He is doing, you know, college courses online. 472 00:19:11,183 --> 00:19:12,785 And we're having that conversation 473 00:19:12,785 --> 00:19:15,121 around how this looks so different for them. 474 00:19:15,121 --> 00:19:18,657 So a lot of people are being hit across, you know 475 00:19:18,657 --> 00:19:20,860 a lot of, you know, different communities. 476 00:19:20,860 --> 00:19:23,029 The reality of it is, it's gonna take all of us 477 00:19:23,029 --> 00:19:25,531 hands on deck to make sure that this looks different. 478 00:19:25,531 --> 00:19:28,300 And it's also saying, pulling a community with it. 479 00:19:28,300 --> 00:19:30,703 You know, it's not just them being in the school building, 480 00:19:30,703 --> 00:19:33,673 it's also whoever else it is that they come in contact with 481 00:19:33,673 --> 00:19:36,075 supporting them through it as well. 482 00:19:36,075 --> 00:19:37,843 - Let me bring Bill back in by phone. 483 00:19:37,843 --> 00:19:39,412 - All right. 484 00:19:39,412 --> 00:19:43,883 And, you know, talking about just literal examples 485 00:19:43,883 --> 00:19:46,385 I'm gonna be the guy to ask about the digital divide 486 00:19:46,385 --> 00:19:49,688 here again too after experiencing a bit of it this morning. 487 00:19:49,688 --> 00:19:54,693 But, anyway, I think we all knew that the digital divide 488 00:19:56,028 --> 00:19:58,798 was an issue in our community 489 00:19:58,798 --> 00:20:03,202 before COVID-19 ever reared it's head. 490 00:20:04,503 --> 00:20:07,373 So what do you think we know 491 00:20:07,373 --> 00:20:11,477 about the state of that digital divide in Memphis 492 00:20:11,477 --> 00:20:15,481 that maybe we didn't know or what have we found out about it 493 00:20:15,481 --> 00:20:16,816 that has confirmed 494 00:20:16,816 --> 00:20:19,585 some of the things we thought about it before? 495 00:20:19,585 --> 00:20:20,686 - Great question Bill. 496 00:20:20,686 --> 00:20:23,789 I think because we were one of the first districts 497 00:20:23,789 --> 00:20:26,725 in the nation to be able to go one-to-one, you know, 498 00:20:26,725 --> 00:20:30,296 what we see is that it is definitely some more 499 00:20:30,296 --> 00:20:33,065 growth opportunities regarding connection, 500 00:20:33,065 --> 00:20:35,801 not about, you know not about having the device, 501 00:20:35,801 --> 00:20:38,370 not about having an access to hotspot 502 00:20:38,370 --> 00:20:40,106 because we did all of those things. 503 00:20:40,106 --> 00:20:43,742 But the reality of it is as a, you know, community 504 00:20:43,742 --> 00:20:45,111 when I talk about, think about 505 00:20:45,111 --> 00:20:47,813 like both governments working together to find out 506 00:20:47,813 --> 00:20:50,950 how to have a better just logistically, 507 00:20:50,950 --> 00:20:53,552 a better system around, you know 508 00:20:53,552 --> 00:20:55,688 whether it's fiber optics or whether it's towers 509 00:20:55,688 --> 00:20:58,124 whatever it is that needs to happen, Rodman 510 00:20:58,124 --> 00:20:59,425 whatever it is that needs to happen. 511 00:20:59,425 --> 00:21:00,659 I'm not a techie in that sense 512 00:21:00,659 --> 00:21:02,461 so I'm just throwing terms out there 513 00:21:02,461 --> 00:21:04,096 but whatever it is that needs to happen 514 00:21:04,096 --> 00:21:06,398 in order for us to have better connectivity 515 00:21:06,398 --> 00:21:09,869 this past year has shown us 516 00:21:09,869 --> 00:21:12,037 that there's still some work that needs to be done. 517 00:21:12,037 --> 00:21:14,240 Because there is definitely some, 518 00:21:14,240 --> 00:21:16,675 a different round of connection that happens 519 00:21:16,675 --> 00:21:21,680 kind of in the North Haven, Woodstock Bolton, 520 00:21:22,014 --> 00:21:25,017 Vegeta community and then where I am 521 00:21:25,017 --> 00:21:29,021 in South East Memphis community you know, 522 00:21:29,021 --> 00:21:30,122 we're pretty stable 523 00:21:30,122 --> 00:21:32,558 but here lately it gets kind of sketchy. 524 00:21:32,558 --> 00:21:33,492 So then, you know, 525 00:21:33,492 --> 00:21:36,061 then I hear from families who own the South Memphis 526 00:21:36,061 --> 00:21:38,798 and the white Haven side of my community that represents, 527 00:21:38,798 --> 00:21:40,499 so it's different everywhere. 528 00:21:40,499 --> 00:21:42,268 So this is an opportunity I think 529 00:21:42,268 --> 00:21:46,806 for government to come together for a better infrastructure. 530 00:21:46,806 --> 00:21:47,640 - All right. 531 00:21:47,640 --> 00:21:49,742 And in the special session of the legislature, 532 00:21:49,742 --> 00:21:53,078 when these bills were passed on summer school 533 00:21:53,078 --> 00:21:56,682 and afterschool programs to help catch up students, 534 00:21:56,682 --> 00:22:00,186 was there enough state funding included in that 535 00:22:00,186 --> 00:22:03,155 to get the job done here in our city? 536 00:22:04,356 --> 00:22:06,425 - Well, you know, I think, 537 00:22:06,425 --> 00:22:08,394 to my point that I was saying to Eric earlier 538 00:22:08,394 --> 00:22:10,529 the reality of it is we've been making it work. 539 00:22:10,529 --> 00:22:12,598 So any additional funds that we get 540 00:22:12,598 --> 00:22:14,166 is definitely very helpful. 541 00:22:14,166 --> 00:22:16,902 We have realized a long time ago 542 00:22:16,902 --> 00:22:18,704 that those were the programs that we needed 543 00:22:18,704 --> 00:22:20,973 in order to continue to push our students forward. 544 00:22:20,973 --> 00:22:23,509 So for us, it wasn't a brand new conversation. 545 00:22:23,509 --> 00:22:26,078 Again, as I mentioned before, 546 00:22:26,078 --> 00:22:28,747 I hope some of those same advocates who are pushing for 547 00:22:28,747 --> 00:22:31,116 that additional funding, continue to do it 548 00:22:31,116 --> 00:22:32,718 past the pandemic. 549 00:22:32,718 --> 00:22:35,454 - Right, and the final point, 550 00:22:36,488 --> 00:22:38,657 also what came up in the legislature 551 00:22:38,657 --> 00:22:40,492 was this whole discussion about 552 00:22:40,492 --> 00:22:43,495 what do you do with a student who is in the third grade, 553 00:22:43,495 --> 00:22:46,498 who is not at reading level? 554 00:22:46,498 --> 00:22:49,268 And I know the school board over many years 555 00:22:49,268 --> 00:22:51,136 has had discussions periodically 556 00:22:51,136 --> 00:22:55,307 about the idea of retaining a third grader 557 00:22:55,307 --> 00:22:58,110 until they are at reading level or until they meet 558 00:22:58,110 --> 00:23:01,380 or show some kind of progress realistically, 559 00:23:01,380 --> 00:23:03,115 toward that goal. 560 00:23:03,115 --> 00:23:04,783 Where do you think the school board is 561 00:23:04,783 --> 00:23:09,154 in that discussion that that's come up again now? 562 00:23:09,989 --> 00:23:11,023 - You know, it was interesting 563 00:23:11,023 --> 00:23:12,825 that it did come up at the state level. 564 00:23:12,825 --> 00:23:14,693 And as you mentioned, we have been talking about it 565 00:23:14,693 --> 00:23:17,363 for quite some time, which we did our, you know, 566 00:23:17,363 --> 00:23:20,032 third grade policy is around it. 567 00:23:20,032 --> 00:23:22,768 And, you know, definitely have those key factors 568 00:23:22,768 --> 00:23:25,337 that start from pre-K on up to second grade 569 00:23:25,337 --> 00:23:26,672 that you have to hit in order for you 570 00:23:26,672 --> 00:23:28,607 to be promoted to the third grade. 571 00:23:28,607 --> 00:23:29,975 I think now as a board 572 00:23:29,975 --> 00:23:32,411 it is just resurfacing the conversation 573 00:23:32,411 --> 00:23:34,647 and making sure that we're tight on it 574 00:23:34,647 --> 00:23:37,216 and making sure that we also, 575 00:23:37,216 --> 00:23:38,784 because we've been through the pandemic 576 00:23:38,784 --> 00:23:41,453 and this is where I will say where extra supports 577 00:23:41,453 --> 00:23:43,889 need to happen, is making sure we do those extra things 578 00:23:43,889 --> 00:23:46,959 before we just say, someone hasn't hit the market 579 00:23:46,959 --> 00:23:47,960 that we do those extras 580 00:23:47,960 --> 00:23:51,163 before we decide on not promoting them. 581 00:23:51,163 --> 00:23:53,365 - How much, with just a few minutes left here, 582 00:23:53,365 --> 00:23:57,870 you know, the, the teachers unions have been pretty adamant 583 00:23:57,870 --> 00:23:59,204 about not going back. 584 00:23:59,204 --> 00:24:01,840 People throw around the notion that 585 00:24:01,840 --> 00:24:03,876 a big chunk of teachers would retire 586 00:24:03,876 --> 00:24:07,246 if they were forced to go back when it wasn't safe. 587 00:24:07,246 --> 00:24:10,516 How much does pressure from the teacher unions 588 00:24:10,516 --> 00:24:12,117 come into play in your thinking? 589 00:24:13,185 --> 00:24:14,153 - I will say this, 590 00:24:14,153 --> 00:24:17,656 you know, I, Eric, when you finish 591 00:24:17,656 --> 00:24:19,491 you'll know how many board members we have. 592 00:24:19,491 --> 00:24:22,294 I am one of nine. [both laugh] 593 00:24:23,228 --> 00:24:25,464 I'm gonna always make that win, you know, 594 00:24:25,464 --> 00:24:26,932 and say I'm one of nine. 595 00:24:26,932 --> 00:24:28,801 And for me, I hear teachers. 596 00:24:28,801 --> 00:24:31,236 I understand, you know what they're saying, 597 00:24:31,236 --> 00:24:33,138 but as a board, you have to get to five 598 00:24:33,138 --> 00:24:35,240 on any decision that's being made. 599 00:24:35,240 --> 00:24:38,610 So I think this is an opportunity for us to, you know 600 00:24:38,610 --> 00:24:42,348 be real clear on what it is and be supportive of Dr. Ray 601 00:24:42,348 --> 00:24:45,651 in understanding that what additional supports 602 00:24:45,651 --> 00:24:46,518 we can give to teachers. 603 00:24:46,518 --> 00:24:47,619 I don't know the numbers. 604 00:24:47,619 --> 00:24:50,556 I'd be honest and say, I've heard from one union 605 00:24:50,556 --> 00:24:52,591 and I've heard from another union. 606 00:24:52,591 --> 00:24:55,794 And oftentimes they do not share the same thoughts. 607 00:24:55,794 --> 00:24:58,063 Sometimes they do share the same thoughts. 608 00:24:58,063 --> 00:25:02,868 But I will say we, as a board have also had conversations 609 00:25:02,868 --> 00:25:05,637 around what does it look like to fill that shortage 610 00:25:05,637 --> 00:25:06,939 if that happens. 611 00:25:06,939 --> 00:25:09,541 So we have to be prepared either way. 612 00:25:09,541 --> 00:25:12,044 - Last thing, and we probably don't enough time for it 613 00:25:12,044 --> 00:25:14,179 but the like all school systems, 614 00:25:14,179 --> 00:25:15,914 the first round of federal money, 615 00:25:15,914 --> 00:25:18,050 there was a big, there was some millions of dollars 616 00:25:18,050 --> 00:25:19,985 that came to the Shelby County school system. 617 00:25:19,985 --> 00:25:22,788 I think there's an estimated 190 million more 618 00:25:22,788 --> 00:25:23,622 that's about to come. 619 00:25:23,622 --> 00:25:25,124 I think I have that right. 620 00:25:25,124 --> 00:25:26,925 How will that, how was that money been spent 621 00:25:26,925 --> 00:25:28,927 and how will it be spent going forward? 622 00:25:28,927 --> 00:25:29,762 - Great question. 623 00:25:29,762 --> 00:25:31,563 We have a board budget retreat that's coming up 624 00:25:31,563 --> 00:25:32,498 where we're gonna talk about 625 00:25:32,498 --> 00:25:34,166 how we're gonna spend those SO 2.0 funds. 626 00:25:35,100 --> 00:25:37,035 There are some things that we already know 627 00:25:37,035 --> 00:25:37,936 that we need to do, 628 00:25:37,936 --> 00:25:42,408 but as a board we have not collectively had the conversation 629 00:25:42,408 --> 00:25:44,109 around where they will go. 630 00:25:44,109 --> 00:25:46,545 But a good portion of that is going to make sure that 631 00:25:46,545 --> 00:25:49,581 we are doing, in having the supplies needed 632 00:25:49,581 --> 00:25:51,817 for those who choose to go back into the building. 633 00:25:51,817 --> 00:25:54,486 - Is it, and there's been some talk maybe of tutoring 634 00:25:54,486 --> 00:25:56,822 and summer sessions and that kind of 635 00:25:56,822 --> 00:25:58,724 making, helping kids get caught up is, 636 00:25:58,724 --> 00:26:00,993 can the money go towards that as well? 637 00:26:00,993 --> 00:26:04,663 - It can, but you know, again 638 00:26:04,663 --> 00:26:07,633 I don't wanna say where something's gonna go again 639 00:26:07,633 --> 00:26:09,468 because we haven't had the conversation 640 00:26:09,468 --> 00:26:12,704 as a whole board around the direction of those dollars. 641 00:26:12,704 --> 00:26:15,207 We've only brought up one or two things. 642 00:26:15,207 --> 00:26:16,575 - And that is all the time we have this week. 643 00:26:16,575 --> 00:26:18,677 Miska Clay Bibs, thanks for joining us. 644 00:26:18,677 --> 00:26:22,815 Remember, you can get past episodes of the show at wkno.org 645 00:26:22,815 --> 00:26:25,083 or you can download the full podcast of the show 646 00:26:25,083 --> 00:26:26,485 from the daily Memphian site 647 00:26:26,485 --> 00:26:28,921 or wherever you get your podcasts. 648 00:26:28,921 --> 00:26:31,590 [upbeat music]