Memphis-Shelby County School Board Expands Bus Access Citing Attendance Concerns Amid ICE and National Guard Presence

The MSCS Board voted to expand bus eligibility within the parent responsibility zone on Tuesday. (Photo: Unsplash)

The Memphis-Shelby County School Board voted Tuesday to expand bus eligibility within the parent responsibility zone, citing chronic absenteeism and community fears tied to recent ICE and National Guard activity in Memphis.

The move comes after U.S. President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum to send the National Guard into the city.

Trump’s directive has faced opposition from Democratic Party leaders in Tennessee. On Tuesday night, several school board members echoed that criticism by voicing concerns about the district’s immigrant community.

“Children and families are disappearing and I’m not okay with it,” said Board Member Amber Huett-Garcia.

Board Member Michelle McKisik echoed these sentiments with an emotional story.

“This is about protecting lives and families,” said McKisik. “I want to just say my heart breaks. When I was dropping off my daughter at school the other day, I saw a young man...clearly an immigrant, and he did the sign of the cross and I almost choked up when I saw that as he was crossing the street.”

“It’s the Least We Can Do”

Amid the concern, MSCS interim superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond proposed a resolution to expand the district’s parent responsibility zone, allowing all children to have access to busing, including for after-school activities, even if they live close to the school.

Richmond states in his resolution that this need arose because immigrants are more hesitant to drive their children to school due to the fear of traffic stops, potential arrest, and even deportation. He argues that providing bus transportation for all children would keep them safe and help ensure they attend school.

“Whereas, arrests, including immigrant arrests, detentions, and deportations have a profound effect on families and the presence of the National Guard, ICE, along with a dozen other law enforcement agencies, have resulted in a drastic increase of arrests, deportations, and have created a heightened climate of anxiety for many students and their families, leading to a significant increase in absences from school,” states Richmond’s resolution.

Board members unanimously voted to approve it the resolution, despite the extra expense it would create for the district.

Garcia stated that voting “yes” on the resolution was low-hanging fruit, an easy way to help a community that board members say are anxious and fearful right now.

“There are some things we sit up here and have to muster political courage to say yes for and advocate for,” said Garcia. “For me, this of course, is the least we can do.”

Republican Leaders Stand Behind Trump’s Move

Both leading Republican candidates in the 2026 Tennessee governor’s race have applauded President Trump’s actions in Memphis, as have other elected Republicans including current governor Bill Lee.

“Memphis is a remarkable community with great cultural significance that includes top global business and strong faith leaders, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to move the city forward,” said Lee in a statement. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Memphis Safe Task Force will ensure we have every resource at our disposal to create significant change.”