As conversations continue regarding the future of Memphis Street Academy (MSA), we want to ensure our families, staff, and community understand both the current situation and why American Paradigm Schools (APS) is advocating for a clear, public, and student-centered transition plan before any final action is taken.
This issue has always been about more than a school facility or charter agreement. It is about our students, families, and the stability of our community.
When the initial 2022 decision regarding MSA was made, students and educators were still recovering from the impact of COVID-19 and rebuilding routines, attendance, relationships, and academic progress. Families were not provided with a clear public plan explaining how students and services would be supported if MSA ceased operations. That concern remains today.
Throughout this process, APS has continued operating MSA and providing critical support families rely on every day. MSA offers healthcare access, behavioral health services, asthma care, literacy support, English learner services, family resources, food access, and trusted relationships with staff who know the community.
In one year alone, 475 students accessed healthcare services at MSA, resulting in more than 2,100 visits. Nearly 150 students were identified as needing behavioral health support. These are not extra services, they are essential to helping students succeed.
Today, families do not have a clear understanding of what a transition would look like, how services would continue, or how student needs would be protected.
APS has also planned responsibly for the areas within our control, including developing a contingency approach to support staff through a Memorandum of Understanding within the APS network. While this reflects our commitment to the educators and staff who serve MSA students, staff contingency planning is not the same as a comprehensive student transition plan. Any entity assuming operational responsibility must clearly address how student services, special education, English learner supports, healthcare continuity, family engagement, transportation, safety, and community resources will continue moving forward.
APS remains ready to work collaboratively with families, community leaders, and the District to continue supporting students, families, and staff throughout this process. We are prepared to continue operating Memphis Street Academy, discuss renewal options, or participate in a responsible transition process if necessary. However, we believe any next steps must be guided by transparency, planning, and a clear commitment to minimizing disruption for children and families.
This is why APS is asking the Board not to take final action on Memphis Street Academy and to allow APS to continue operating MSA until the School District can present a reasonable and transparent transition plan. At a minimum, the community deserves to see a public plan outlining how student placement, special education and English learner services, healthcare and behavioral health supports, transportation, safety, family engagement, and other critical services currently provided by MSA will continue moving forward.
Our request is simple: Do not take final action on Memphis Street Academy until a public, written transition plan protecting students, families, and the Port Richmond community is responsibly established.
Memphis Street Academy students deserve stability. Families deserve answers. Most importantly, every child deserves a plan that protects their safety, wellness, growth, and future.