Dear Communities In Schools of Memphis (CISM) Family,

With a full heart and deep gratitude, I want to share some important news. After much reflection, I have decided to transition from my role as CEO, effective April 4th, to embrace a new chapter in my career that allows me to continue following my passion for collective impact. This decision was not made lightly, as leading CISM has been one of the most fulfilling honors of my life. Memphis and Shelby County hold a special place in my heart, and the opportunity to serve our students, families, and community has been both a privilege and a profound calling.

The journey we have traveled together has been nothing short of extraordinary. When I began this role, I was driven by a fierce commitment to ensuring every student—regardless of their circumstances—had access to the support, resources, and relationships needed to thrive. Together, we have expanded our reach and created lasting, transformative change. We have stood by students as they overcame challenges, celebrated their successes, and built a foundation that will continue to uplift future generations.

I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished, including:

Program Expansion: CISM is now serving over 11,000 students and families across 26 school communities through our Integrated Student Support, College & Career Readiness, and Care Coordination programs—an increase of 6,000 since the start of 2022-23, highlighted by 20 new school partners joining the CISM network this school year.

Financial Growth and Sustainability: Thanks to strategic partnerships and financial support to deepen our impact, we have significantly grown our capacity to serve youth in Memphis. Our operating budget has increased from $2 million to $6 million over the past three years, and we have secured major grants and donations through the Scaling for Success initiative with Ballmer Group, Full Service Community Schools partnership with the Department of Education, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant in partnership with Department of Human Services, and many others, enabling us to scale our programs and reach more students and families.

More Students Attending School: With a renewed focus on social-emotional support, our student support specialists have helped students overcome obstacles and remain engaged in their education, resulting in encouraging reductions in chronic absenteeism rates. The research is clear: when CIS of Memphis student support specialists show up, 99% of students attend school more often and 97% of students successfully advance to the next grade on time.

Graduation and Career Readiness: Through the dedication of our College & Career Readiness team, 99% of CISM students graduate on time each year. This May, our annual Pathways to Success Celebration will honor over 80 students in the Class of 2025, including high school and college graduates, and dozens more will be inducted into our Alumni Network to support their post-graduation journeys.

Work Experience and Economic Impact: Our partnership with local industries has been instrumental in empowering students through the Work Experience Program (WEX). Since the start of 2022-23, our WEX participants have earned more than half a million dollars in wages while building skills in high-demand fields.

Strategic Alliances and Advocacy: Our new alliances with CIS of Tennessee and CIS of Appalachian Highlands have deepened our collective impact, allowing us to serve more families and strengthen our voice across the state. Thanks to the United Way of the Mid-South, we have expanded our Care Coordination program, significantly increasing our capacity to support families on their path to self-sufficiency.

One of the most meaningful moments of this journey recently occurred when Slingshot Memphis awarded CISM its second MPROV Award. This recognition is especially gratifying for our team, as it validates our mission and commitment to being a poverty-fighting organization. Accepting this award as I transition out of my role is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of our collective efforts.

I have always believed that at the core of CISM’s success is the power of relationships. I have been continually inspired by the resilience of our students, the dedication of our team, and the generosity of our community. It has been an honor to work alongside so many remarkable individuals who share the belief that every student, regardless of their zip code, deserves the opportunity to succeed.

On Monday, April 7th, Kelsey Kenniel, Chief Operations & Financial Officer, and Jessica Pontoo, Chief of Staff & Strategy, will begin leading the organization together as co-interim CEOs, ensuring a strong close to the academic year and that plans for 2025-26 remain on track. In the weeks ahead, our Board will hire a search firm to identify a permanent CEO to guide CISM into the future. 

As I step away, I do so with full confidence that CISM will continue to thrive by surrounding students and families with a community of support—as we have always done. The strong foundation we have built together will sustain the organization for years to come, and I look forward to cheering on its continued success.

Thank you for your support and belief in this mission. I will forever carry the love, lessons, and inspiration I have gained from this journey, and I will always be #AllinforYouth.

 

With heartfelt gratitude,

Teshanda Middleton
Outgoing CEO, Communities In Schools of Memphis