Memphis’ first day of school by the numbers: enrollment improves, but teacher vacancies stagnate

On Monday, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) welcomed students back to the 2026-27 academic year, with Hawkins Mill Elementary marking the first school in the system to open its doors. Students at Hawkins Mill proudly wore their customary white and red attire as they entered a school that had undergone changes since last year. The school's garden featured nearly ripe tomatoes and eggplants while colorful posters showcasing the school mascot – a hawk – adorned the walls.

Five Memphis-Shelby County schools closed at the end of the previous year, resulting in the enrollment of over 1,200 students at four new schools on their first day. Hawkins Mill was the third school on Superintendent Roderick Richmond's tour, alongside Westwood High, which had expanded to include students from the recently closed Chickasaw Middle, and Kirby Middle School, which returned to the district's control after operating under the Achievement School District.

Richmond emphasized the importance of ensuring the four schools he visited started their year on the right foot. The Memphis-Shelby County Schools are facing increased scrutiny this year as the state takeover of Tennessee's largest public school district continues to unfold in federal court. If the takeover is upheld, a nine-member oversight board appointed by Republicans would take control of key decisions, such as budgeting and school closures.

Despite the scrutiny, the district’s enrollment slightly increased this year. The enrollment at Hawkins Mill, Westwood High, and Kirby Middle School stands at 346, 425, and 346 students respectively, with 106,000 students in total. This is a couple thousand more than last year’s early estimate of over 103,000, but still below the district’s projections for this year.

Superintendent Richmond targeted fewer than 100 teaching vacancies by the start of the school year, but currently, around 300 teaching positions remain vacant. To meet the demand, the district has filled vacancies with virtual instructors through a $4.7 million contract with Proximity Learning, which was renewed in May.

It remains to be seen if the district will meet the target of reducing the number of vacancies below 100 by the start of the new school year, given the constant vacancies remaining.