‘Please don’t hurt my children’ SCS Superintendent urging lawmakers to vote against defunding schools

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Shelby County Schools superintendent, Dr. Joris Ray, has a plea for Tennessee lawmakers - don’t pass bills that would defund schools.

This week, state lawmakers are in Nashville holding a special session to address learning loss related to the pandemic. One bill would require schools to hold in-person classes for at least 70 days this school year to receive state funds.

SCS is one of few schools in the state that remains virtual. Dr. Ray released a video Friday morning urging lawmakers not to move forward with the measure.