Deal could allow Memphis schools to open on time

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis officials have reached a deal that could allow the city's schools to open on time.

The school board had said it was delaying the start of classes indefinitely because it needed $55 million owed by the city.

On Thursday, Mayor AC Wharton and Board President Martavius Jones announced an agreement in which the city would pay $15 million by Aug. 15 and the remainder in monthly installments.

The full school board still must approve the plan, and Jones called a special meeting to consider it Friday night. On Friday morning, the meeting was postponed until next week to give school board members time to review the deal.

The Commercial Appeal newspaper polled board members after the announcement, and five of the nine said they would support the proposal.