This week, a federal judge issued an opinion in the case concerning Memphis Street Academy (MSA). I must admit we’re not expecting a ruling at this time. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify what this means for our students and families.

Some headlines have suggested this means the school must close immediately. That is not true, and it’s important that our families, staff, and community hear the facts directly from us.

The court’s opinion addressed two legal questions:

• The surrender clause in our charter: The court ruled that the clause is legally enforceable as part of our charter agreement. However, it DID NOT issue an order to enforce that clause, nor did it demand the immediate surrender of our charter. The opinion states what the law allows, but does not direct any specific action today.
• Civil rights claims under Title VI: The court acknowledged that the district’s academic success framework has had a disparate impact on students in protected classes, including Black and Hispanic students. However, the court did not find evidence of intentional discrimination or deliberate indifference by the district, legal thresholds required to prove a Title VI violation.

While the opinion includes the judge’s own commentary stating that “MSA must surrender its charter and close,” this language does not function as an immediate closure order. Our legal team is reviewing all implications, including potential appeals, but nothing in this opinion requires MSA to close before the upcoming school year.

What this opinion fails to reflect is the current reality of our community. It relies on test scores from 2017 and 2018 pre-COVID-19 data that does not account for the deeply complex challenges our students face today. While the judge suggested that MSA blames student demographics for past outcomes, let me be clear: We have never blamed our students. We have called attention to systemic inequities and a flawed framework that disproportionately penalizes schools serving the most vulnerable populations.

MSA is more than test scores. It is a lifeline in Kensington — a school where students receive education, school-based health care, access to meals, and community support. For many families, it is the only stable resource in their lives. That mission continues.

There is a plan to appeal this ruling, and in the meantime, our focus remains on providing education, support services, and even our planned food pantry — neighbors helping neighbors. 

So, to our families and staff: You do not need to make new plans. MSA will be open and operating this fall. If any transition occurs in the future, it will be done responsibly, ethically, and with the best interests of students and teachers at its core.

Behind every headline are real children, real families, and real communities. We remain committed to serving them with dignity and stability while pursuing every available path forward.

Ashley Redfearn
CEO, American Paradigm Schools