2023 Memphis-Shelby County Schools Disparity Study
Memphis-Shelby County Schools has engaged Griffin & Strong, P.C (GSPC) to conduct a Disparity Study (“Study”). The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a disparity in the relevant geographic and product markets in the percentage of MBE/WBEs and if a Sheltered Market Program under G.L. c. 30B can be implemented. GSPC will be conducting surveys, public hearings, webinars and other public engagement meetings to serve this purpose. If your firm is contacted to provide input, we thank you for your participation. You may also email us any comments or questions at MemphisShelbySchoolsStudy@gspclaw.com.
ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE COLLECTION
Local Organizations
GSPC also desires the feedback of organizations that speak for the local business community. Local business, civic, and trade organizations may be contacted to participate. If you desire to meet with GSPC to discuss your organization’s perspective or relevant experience(s) working with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, contact us at MemphisShelbySchoolsStudy@gspclaw.com.
Anecdotal Interviews
The Disparity Study will provide an opportunity for feedback from business owners about experiences, both positive and negative, contracting with Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Anecdotal interviews are one-on-one interviews with business owners to discuss their experiences doing business with Memphis-Shelby County Schools or navigating business development in the region.
This testimony can play a critical role in improving current programs. Beginning with our Informational meetings in the Fall, the Disparity Study anecdotal process involves the completion of anecdotal interviews, public hearings and focus groups. Anecdotal interviews began in November 2022.
If contacted, we encourage your honest and transparent feedback.
Survey of Business Owners
GSPC conducted a Survey of Business Owners to understand the experiences of firms in Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ marketplace in doing business with Shelby County Schools. All firms in the marketplace were invited to take the survey which was sent out in January 2023.
Email Comments
For those who are not contacted to participate in an interview or focus group, are unavailable, or are generally uncomfortable providing public testimony, you may email us anytime with anecdotal comments or questions at MemphisShelbySchoolsStudy@gspclaw.com.
EVENTS
Informational Meetings
To learn more about this Study, how to be involved, or to address any questions or concerns, please attend our community informational meetings in October of 2022.
DATE | TIME | VENUE |
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October 5th, 2022 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm CST |
Public Hearings
The public hearings are an opportunity for businesses and other community members to go on the record with their comments about doing business with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, or its marketplace. All comments will become part of the public record and will be included in the Study analysis. The public hearings will be held in January 2022.
DATE | TIME | VENUE |
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February 21st, 2023 | 5:30pm CST | |
February 22nd, 2023 | 12:00pm CST |
Focus Groups
GSPC invites a small group of diverse firms to provide their view of doing business with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, attempting to do business with Shelby County Schools, or explaining why they have not attempted to do business with Shelby County Schools, in a discussion setting. Firms are chosen at random from each ethnicity and gender group of the Study.
Social Media
For information about scheduled events and Study updates, feel free to follow Griffin & Strong, P.C. on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. You may also provide commentary regarding the Study via social media, regardless of whether you are selected for a random interview. If you wish to provide a comment regarding your experiences, whether positive or negative, in doing business in or with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, please reach us on social media.