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MSCS leaders urge local businesses to be part of long-term solution to fight rising crime by helping students

School District leaders said 38 students have passed away so far in the 2023-24 school year, 15 from violence.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After a record breaking year of crime, Memphis Shelby County Schools are taking a stand. 

In a news conference Thursday, Jan. 11th, Interim Superintendent Toni Williams called on all of the Bluff City to help find a long-term solution. Following a morning of raw emotion, Williams said the district has lost almost 40 students this school year, 15 specifically to violence.

During the news conference, Williams said Memphis was facing an "epidemic of crime," and a priority needs to be creating an engaging environment for students. School leaders hope this will help deter students from crime, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“It is absolutely heart wrenching at the beginning of every school board meeting at the start of every month, to call out the names of the students who have died as a result of violence. So as a parent in this school district, as a lifelong Memphian, I am glad we are stepping forward and saying ‘We need your help to save our young people,'" said Michelle McKissack, MSCS School Board Member.

MSCS said this will be a job that goes beyond the district, and includes local businesses getting involved. Williams suggested businesses or philanthropists sponsor schools, offer incentives for good attendance, and offer internships for students.

If any parent would like to get involved in being part of the solution, MSCS said the first step starts at home. Parents are recommended to set up a routine with their child, check-in on their grades, even attending school events go a long way.

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