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Congressman Cohen Expresses Disappointment at Announced Closure of Memphis Jubilee Catholic Schools Network

January 24, 2018

Commends Catholic Diocese of Memphis and Dr. Mary McDonald for Service to the City of Memphis

WASHINGTON- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) expressed disappointment at the closure of the Memphis Jubilee Catholic Schools Network, an initiative founded by the Catholic Diocese of Memphis. He released the following statement:

"I am saddened to see the Jubilee schools close after nearly twenty years of educating Memphis youth. The Jubilee schools taught students from Pre-K through 12th grade, many of whom live below the poverty line, and worked to find ways for families at varying levels of income to overcome tuition obstacles, often by heavily or fully subsidizing a student's education. I am particularly saddened to learn of the closure of Memphis Catholic High School, the cherished home and alma mater to many Midtown residents and a part of Memphis history.

I am grateful for the twenty years of service the Catholic Diocese provided to the city of Memphis and its young people through the Jubilee Catholic Schools Network, and for the efforts of Mary McDonald, former superintendent of the Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Memphis, who created the Jubilee Network. I am confident that Shelby County Schools (SCS) and the SCS Board will work to ensure that the education of Memphis children continues uninterrupted."

The entire Memphis Jubilee Catholic Schools Network, including St. Michael Catholic School, will be affected by the announced closure. Currently, these eleven schools educate over 1,500 students. The Jubilee schools opened in the fall of 1999 to increase educational opportunities for students in poverty. The Commercial Appeal reported that a charter network will apply through Shelby Country Schools to replace the schools that closed.


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