Michelle McKissack is a Democratic candidate for Shelby County School Board District 1, seeking to continue her service on the board which she has held since 2018. An Emmy Award-winning journalist and former editor of Memphis Parent magazine, McKissack brings extensive media experience to her educational advocacy. She previously worked as a news anchor and reporter for several Memphis television stations, including ABC 24 and News Channel 3, and covered major national events such as the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Washington, D.C. Born and raised in Memphis, McKissack graduated from White Station High School in 1987 before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Northwestern University. As a parent of four children who attended local public schools, she has actively engaged in school leadership roles, including serving as PTA president and on various advisory councils. Her record includes helping establish the Crosstown High School curriculum and founding board membership for the institution. McKissack also served on the inaugural Tennessee Board of Education Parent Advisory Council from 2016 to 2017. She describes herself as a constant voice for educators, students, and parents, emphasizing her commitment to supporting public education through her professional background and community involvement.

Hailey Marie Thomas is a Democratic candidate seeking election to the Shelby County School Board for District 1 in the May 5, 2026 primary. Describing herself as an early career educator and classroom teacher, Thomas brings direct experience from within the school system to her campaign. Her candidacy focuses on addressing critical infrastructure deficiencies that she argues are currently neglected by board leadership. Thomas has publicly criticized current board members for prioritizing personal egos over the well-being of students. She highlights specific operational failures in her platform, including broken air conditioning systems and a lack of adequate janitorial services. By framing these issues as urgent priorities, Thomas positions herself as a candidate who will focus on the physical conditions of schools rather than political posturing. As an active participant in the upcoming primary, she aims to bring a teacher’s perspective to district governance. Her campaign materials emphasize the need for practical solutions to maintain safe and functional learning environments for children across District 1.

Dolores Missy Rivers is a Democratic candidate seeking election to the Shelby County Board of Education for District 1 in the May 5, 2026 primary. A retired educator with 26 years of experience in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Rivers began her career as a teacher on a provisional license at Doubletree Elementary School before spending the majority of her tenure at Ross Elementary. She retired from teaching in 2023 and most recently served as the interim director of the Memphis-Shelby County Education Association for a one-year term ending in February 2026. Rivers’ platform centers on improving teacher compensation and recruitment. She advocates for increased pay for educators and proposes tuition support programs designed to help current Memphis students pursue careers in teaching. Additionally, she supports expanding the district’s Innovation Zone approach, which focuses on placing strong principals in low-performing schools alongside practical teacher training initiatives. Rivers argues that fair pay and improved working conditions are essential for attracting qualified candidates and retaining experienced staff within the district. Her candidacy highlights her extensive background in classroom instruction and recent leadership roles within the local teachers’ union.