The marriage of two schools: KYTN and SCC partner to jointly administer their schools in Memphis

Through collaborative efforts of the local school boards and pastors, the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference (KYTN) and the South-Central Conference (SCC) have created a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly administer their two schools in Memphis, Tenn., for the 2022-2023 school year. As agreed on the MOU, Memphis Jr. Academy (MJA), from KYTN, and Greater Memphis Adventist Academy (GMAA), from SCC, will function as one under the name, Memphis Adventist Academy (MAA).

History of the schools

MJA opened its doors in 1910, originally functioning as an eight-grade academy. In 2016, after years of growth and change, the first class of seniors graduated from MJA’s new high school program. Throughout its history, MJA has placed a strong emphasis on Bible study, Christian growth, and character development. 

GMAA started in 1920 when the Mississippi Blvd. Church was founded by J.H. Laurence. The church and school then moved to a property on Alcy Rd. and remained there for 37 years. In 2016, because of the physical condition of the building, the school moved its classrooms to the Overton Park Church. It then changed its name to GMAA and continued to serve the Greater Memphis community providing christian education and character development for all children.

Pastors take initiative

The inspiration of a possible partnership started when KYTN pastor Steve Gallimore and SCC pastor Alex Horton began discussing the future of the church and its schools.

“We thought, ‘well we have two Adventist schools close to each other, bringing [the schools] together is an opportunity to have a much better education program,” Gallimore said.  “You know, if there are more churches involved then we are bringing together a lot more power.

According to Horton, a group of pastors brought up the ideas to their church boards, who voted to further pursue the union of the schools. 

The first steps

In February of 2022, the two conferences started having meetings to discuss the possible partnership. The meetings were attended by the conference’s presidents, treasurers, pastors and school board members. According to KYTN Superintendent, Pegi Flynt, this was an important step to the planning process.

“I continued to encourage the collective boards and constituents that this venture had to be a heart and soul matter,” Flynt said. “We must love one another. Much like a marriage, a  partnership brings two families together. With Ephesians 4 as our guide we can walk hand in hand in this ministry for the families in Memphis.”

As the conversation was just starting and leaders were figuring out the logistics of a possible partnership, GMAA began looking for a new school building. Though not in the original plans, this opened the way for the two conferences to consider an MOU that would go into effect for the 2022-2023 school year. 

In May, Flynt, alongside KYTN President Steve Haley, requested Keith Hallam, the Southern Union Education Director, to facilitate the drafting of an MOU.

According to SCC Interim Superintendent, Johnny Holliday, while the MOU has allowed the two schools to function together for the current school year, work still needs to be done to address the governance matter on the local conference level.

“At this time a school partnership has not been completed,” Holliday said. “Plans are being made to further discuss and put in place governance and functions that will prayerfully result in a full union.”  

Crafting a partnership

Currently, a Partnership Organizing Committee (POC) has been established, with equal representation from both conferences. The POC, which meets once a month, will  guide the strategic process for uniting GMAA and MJA into one school by the 2023 - 2024 school year. 

In addition to the POC, the two schools are also working with Bainum Family Foundation to develop a strategic plan for the partnership development of MJA and GMAA. The Bainum Family Foundation is a group that strives to create “an equitable society that supports all children and families.” 

MAA now has a record-high enrollment with 90 students. While the quick union led to some challenges, like finding additional classroom space, moving teaching materials and hiring new staff, Flynt says these experiences have been important for the eventual growth.  

“The difficulties that we have faced so far have been a catalyst to think carefully and deeply for the future partnership,” Flynt said. “As we encounter and solve challenges we will  have a better idea of what the partnership is actually going to look like.”

Two conferences come together

The partnership has received a lot of support from both conferences. Benjamin Jones, SCC President, says he is excited to work alongside KYTN.

“This endeavor is a bridge that will allow our students and our teachers to begin building a connection that's positive with diversity,” Jones said. “My generation still remembers the issues of racism, old traditions and institutional hurts, but [we] want to see the next generation achieve all that it can to be citizens of Earth and Heaven.”

Similarly, Haley says he looks forward to seeing the pastors, teachers and leaders of both conferences “join together in hearts and minds.”

“I am also excited to recognize that this endeavor will make an incredibly important statement to all of our members … that our differences do not need to divide us,” Haley said. “Instead, our common faith and love for each other and our children can honor God in a wonderful way through this exciting and important venture.”