Memphis School Board Election 2026: District 9 Candidates

The candidates bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to the table. **Jonathan Carroll** is a local Democratic party leader and school system outsider, while **Joyce Dorse-Coleman** is a longtime incumbent and former board chair. **Tamara Jordan** has over a decade of experience teaching in and leading local charter schools. **Louis Morganfield** is a building engineer at **Ida B. Wells Academy**, and **Damon Curry Morris** is a vocal parent advocate and pro-state takeover candidate. The election will be an important test of the community's priorities and values, with implications for the future of **Memphis-Shelby County Schools**. [[local-elections|Local elections]] like this one can have a significant impact on the lives of students, parents, and educators, and it is essential to stay informed about the issues and candidates. [[education-reform|Education reform]] efforts often begin at the local level, and the outcome of this election could shape the direction of reform in **Memphis-Shelby County Schools**.

• Five candidates are running for the District 9 seat on the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education
• The election is scheduled for May 5
• District 9 covers around 12,000 students and 24 schools
• The state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools is a potential issue in the election
• The candidates' views on the state takeover and their experience and qualifications will be important factors in the election

The election is a critical moment for **Memphis-Shelby County Schools**, with significant implications for the district's future. The candidates' views on the potential state takeover and their plans for addressing the district's challenges will be closely scrutinized. While some candidates, like **Damon Curry Morris**, support the state takeover, others, like **Jonathan Carroll**, are more skeptical. The election will ultimately depend on the voters' priorities and values, and the outcome is far from certain. [[education-policy|Education policy]] decisions are often complex and multifaceted, and the candidates' ability to navigate these complexities will be essential to their success. The election will be an important test of the community's commitment to **Memphis-Shelby County Schools** and its willingness to support the district through challenging times.

The election offers an opportunity for **Memphis-Shelby County Schools** to bring in fresh perspectives and ideas. **Jonathan Carroll**'s outsider status could be an asset in bringing new energy to the board, while **Tamara Jordan**'s experience in charter schools could help inform decisions about education reform. The election could also lead to increased community engagement and participation in the education process, which is essential for improving student outcomes. [[community-engagement|Community engagement]] is critical for building trust and support for **Memphis-Shelby County Schools**, and the candidates' ability to foster this engagement will be crucial to their success. With the right leadership, **Memphis-Shelby County Schools** could emerge from this election stronger and more resilient than ever.

The election could be a setback for **Memphis-Shelby County Schools**, particularly if the state takeover goes forward. The district's autonomy and local control could be undermined, leading to a loss of community trust and support. The candidates' lack of experience and qualifications could also be a concern, particularly if they are not prepared to address the district's significant challenges. The election could also be divisive, with some candidates, like **Damon Curry Morris**, taking a more confrontational approach to the state takeover. [[state-takeover|State takeover]] policies can be controversial and divisive, and the candidates' ability to navigate these tensions will be crucial to their success. The outcome of the election will depend on the voters' ability to navigate these complexities and make an informed decision about the future of **Memphis-Shelby County Schools**.

Originally reported by Chalkbeat