
Meet Ayleem Connolly, candidate for MSCS District 8.
Meet Ayleem Connolly, candidate for MSCS District 8.
Ayleem Connolly is a former teacher, as well as a mother, wife, and public school advocate with two master's degrees in education and 14 years of experience in the field. She was a Spanish teacher and Department Chair at East High. Before that, she taught at disadvantaged schools including Trezevant High and Oakhaven High. She is now a corporate trainer for a Fortune 500 company and evaluates multi-million dollar projects. In her personal time, she works with several organizations to advocate for public education and she provides direct support to families in need. She has a big heart for children — and she also has the know‑how to make a difference.
Our priorities
Fighting for Our Community
These are some of the top priorities our campaign is focused on.
Serve the children.
Serve the children.
I want to improve the experience of all 100,000+ students in the system through expanded enrichment programs, better nutrition, expanded mental health counseling and more. I want to ensure school access to all students, including the immigrant students who are under attack today.
Pay the teachers.
Pay the teachers.
I will champion better pay, better working conditions, and the resources our educators deserve. This includes meaningful maternal and paternal leave and contract renegotiation for lower health insurance premiums. Better pay and working conditions will improve retention and attract new talent, leading to better results.
Empower parents.
Empower parents.
As a board member, I will host quarterly virtual and in‑person town halls to ensure parents have a consistent, accessible space to share concerns and priorities.
And on an ongoing basis, I will send out updates and refer and address key issues raised by families to district staff for follow‑up and action.
Keep local control.
Keep local control.
I believe that local voters should shape the future of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools. I oppose the state legislature's proposed takeover of the school district, in part because the prior state takeover of the Achievement School District failed. And the legislature's recent actions on EBT and defunding of schools show it is not acting in the best interests of working families.
OUR CAMPAIGN SUPPORTERS AND DESIGNATIONS
OUR CAMPAIGN SUPPORTERS AND DESIGNATIONS





Endorsed by Shelby County Major Lee Harris.
Endorsed by Shelby County Major Lee Harris.
"Ayleem is a former teacher who cares about our community. She has the skills to work in collaboration with all the school board members to boost students’ academic outcomes and mental health, improve teachers’ working conditions, maintain local control of schools and help parents address their concerns..."
-Statement from Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris.

Endorsed by National Women's Political Caucus
Endorsed by National Women's Political Caucus
I'm thrilled to announce that I'm one of 10 west Tennessee candidates with support from this amazing political organization that is working to promote top female candidates.
volunteer opportunities: from putting a sign in your yard to making phone calls, every bit helps.
volunteer opportunities: from putting a sign in your yard to making phone calls, every bit helps.
Volunteers sign up here:
Volunteers sign up here:


