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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

we are honored to receive

Memphis For All

Endorsement

Stand for Children

Endorsement

Indivisible

Endorsement

AFSCME

Endorsement

Fuerza Democrats

Endorsement

NWPC

Endorsement

EBW PAC

Endorsement

Thank you to Moms Demand Action for their recognition,

and M‑PACE (teacher's union PAC) for their financial support.

Endorsed by City Council Member, and Candidate for Governor Jerri Green

“I see in Ayleem a mom and a fighter who will protect our schools - and she’s a former teacher with a plan and the experience to improve education for all children. In this critical moment, with the state trying to seize control of our schools, she’s absolutely the right choice.”

Endorsed by
Elect Black Women

This is one of the greatest honors for me as an Afro‑Latina — to have the opportunity to represent my heritage with excellence. I carry with me the opportunities my grandmother never had, and I don’t take that lightly.

Having a multicultural background has given me the ability to understand the perspectives of every community I’ve served. Thank you to the EBW PAC for your support and recognition. I believe we can make MSCS a better place for all.

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

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.