MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE — Shelby County abandoned its goal of universal pre-kindergarten enrollment during contract negotiations with vendor First 8 Memphis. County Commissioners are reviewing changes to the program's funding and structure. Commission members discussed an amendment to a 2019 joint ordinance with the City of Memphis during an Education Committee meeting on Wednesday, June 10. The five-year contract concluded this year. Mayor Lee Harris proposed amendments to the ordinance and funding structure, expressing dissatisfaction with outcomes despite a 97 percent enrollment rate last school year.

Kandace Thomas, Executive Director of First 8 Memphis, stated changes originated from the Mayor's office. "That came from the Mayor's office and his administration. We did push back. We were told we had to accept the provision," Thomas said. Regarding outcomes, she said, "That school year demonstrated a 62 percent kindergarten readiness score, which is a more than 25 percent increase from when this program started in 2019. You should be incredibly proud of the investments and the improvements that we are seeing across early learning."

Attorney Andy Jones noted a contract stipulation. "The county gives $1.35 for every $1 the city gives. If the county were to give $1.36, the program is terminated the way the contract reads," Jones said. The agreement becomes void if the county assumes additional costs beyond the ratio. The Commission designated First 8 as the fiscal agent for the program in 2022.

Outgoing Commissioner Britney Thornton commented on the terms. "I'd advise the next county mayor to renegotiate. These are horrible terms," Thornton said. The City of Memphis approved $8.5 million in funding for the 2026-27 school year on Tuesday.