Written by: JR Robinson

In a powerful and emotionally charged event organized by District 6 Commissioner Charlie Caswell, Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board Chairwoman Joyce Dorse-Coleman delivered a heartfelt message that resonated deeply with the assembled community members. The gathering, which took place at a local church, brought together educators, parents, and community leaders to address the pressing issues facing our youth and education system.

A Call to Action for Our Children

Chairwoman Dorse-Coleman, introduced as a "super important" speaker by Dr. Caswell, wasted no time in addressing the core issues plaguing our education system and youth development. With passion and conviction, she challenged the notion of a "lost generation," declaring, "They're not lost. They're found. And we just got to do our part".

The Harsh Realities of Our Education System

Dorse-Coleman painted a stark picture of the challenges facing our schools and students:

• By third grade, prison populations can be predicted, a fact she finds deeply troubling
• Students sitting idle in classrooms while teachers earn substantial salaries
• Children forced to leave their neighborhoods for quality education
• Parents unable to attend school events due to lack of transportation
• The heartbreaking reality of presenting honorary diplomas at gravesides

The Power of Encouragement and Community Involvement

The Chairwoman emphasized the critical role that every community member plays in shaping our children's futures:

• A simple "hello" or "I missed you" can significantly impact a child's life
• The importance of calling children to ask about their school day
• Encouraging young people to use their voices, even when they "talk too much"
• Addressing children by their future professional titles to instill ambition

Personal Journey and Passion for Education

Dorse-Coleman shared her own inspiring story, describing herself as "a simple girl from Orange Mound, Tennessee." She recounted her journey to becoming a school board member:

• Running a full campaign with no financial resources
• Driven by a passion for children and a desire for better opportunities
• Challenging the status quo when representatives were unfamiliar with the schools they served

Addressing Systemic Challenges

The event also touched on broader issues affecting the school system:

• The aging infrastructure of school buildings, with most over 60 years old
• The need for careful consideration when making decisions about school closures
• The importance of community involvement in funding decisions
• The impact of the city surrendering its charter, resulting in a $50 million annual loss

A Collaborative Approach to Change

Commissioner Charlie Caswell and County Commissioner Mick Wright also contributed to the discussion, highlighting:

• The need to address issues upstream, including dysfunctional home environments
• The importance of balancing educational needs with other community requirements, such as jail facilities
• The ongoing challenges of recovering from pandemic-related setbacks and inflation

The Role of School Board Commissioners

Dorse-Coleman outlined the primary responsibilities of School Board Commissioners:

1. Hiring and firing the superintendent
2. Setting the budget
3. Enforcing and setting policies that regulate the school district

She emphasized that their role extends far beyond these official duties, including school visits, attending meetings, and providing direct support to students in need.

A Vision for the Future

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to visibility and community engagement. Dorse-Coleman stressed the importance of board members being present and accessible to their constituents, stating, "You need to see me to know that you hired the right person to do the job".

This InfoHUB District 6 event served as a powerful reminder of the challenges facing our education system and the critical role that every community member plays in shaping the future of our youth. It highlighted the need for continued dialogue, innovative solutions, and unwavering commitment to our children's success.