Aspire Memphis Slated to Become Independent, Locally-Operated Charter Management Organization
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Contact: Jessica Lindsay
Email: jessica.lindsay@aspirepublicschools.org
Aspire Memphis Slated to Become Independent, Locally-Operated Charter Management Organization
The Aspire Public Schools Board of Directors Voted Unanimously in Support
(Memphis, TN – January 10, 2019) The Aspire Public School’s Board of Directors voted today to make its Aspire Memphis region an independent, locally-operated charter management organization.
Over the next 12-18 months, with continued support from the Aspire home office, all operational responsibilities at the four Memphis schools–Hanley Elementary, Hanley Middle School, Coleman Elementary and Aspire East Academy–will be transitioned to a new nonprofit organization and managed by a local board of directors under the leadership of Dr. Nickalous Manning, Superintendent of Aspire Memphis.
“Our team, our scholars and I have gained so much from the affiliation with Aspire Public Schools and their leadership,” said Dr. Manning. “The time is right to begin this transition and we believe it will benefit all of our scholars and families to have an organization fully based here in Memphis managing our four schools.”
Aspire Memphis serves approximately 1,600 predominantly low-income African American scholars across three neighborhoods: Raleigh, Orange Mound, and Hickory Hill. Academic achievement in math and reading across the four schools currently paces schools serving similar students in Tennessee.
“We have every confidence in Dr. Manning and the local team and look forward to seeing these Memphis schools continue to thrive,” said Mala Batra, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Aspire Public Schools. “Dr. Manning and his team have shown a deep commitment to high-quality academic instruction and have developed incredible relationships within the Memphis community. They are well positioned to take these schools to new heights in service of scholars and families.”
“Aspire Public Schools has been a great asset to our community and the neighborhoods where they serve. They have established a foundation for academic growth and excellence.We are excited for this next phase and the work ahead in partnership with this team.” said Dr. Sharon Griffin, Assistant Commissioner of School Turnaround and Chief of the Achievement School District.
About Aspire Public Schools
Aspire Public Schools operates 40 high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools serving 17,000 scholars in underserved communities across California and Memphis, Tennessee. Founded in 1998, Aspire is one of the nation’s largest open-enrollment public charter school systems serving predominantly low-income students, delivering a rigorous College for Certain education across grades TK-12. Currently in its 19th academic year, Aspire is one of the nation’s first charter school systems. Visit Aspire Public Schools at www.aspirepublicschools.org.