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A new Memphis group has joined a network of local organizations supporting the state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
Together4Students launched in May, around the same time that Nashville Republicans passed a law establishing a state-appointed oversight board to take control of the district. The group’s website advocates for using the state intervention to pursue ambitious achievement goals for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, including doubling the number of students in high-performing schools by 2035.
The group was founded by Henry Jones, former director of organizing for Memphis nonprofit Leadership for Educational Equity, and Mark Sturgis, who leads longtime education advocacy organization Seeding Success.
Together4Students is the latest group jockeying for influence in Memphis’ education advocacy space, which was once flush with federal investment and local heavy hitters but has since dwindled in dollars and voices. The group is backing the state takeover and partnering with the decade-old parents’ rights organization Memphis Lift.