Here are the movers behind Memphis’ newly approved Crosstown High School

Billed as a new kind of public high school, Crosstown High is scheduled to open in midtown Memphis in one year and will be governed by an independent board through an agreement with Shelby County Schools.

Backers say the 500-student college prep school will use personalized and project-based learning, recruit a diverse student population, and tap into community partnerships in its future space inside of Crosstown Concourse, a redeveloped building that will house other tenants from sectors in art, education and healthcare.

Shelby County Schools this week authorized Crosstown as a charter school, but backers are exploring a contract option as well that also would require approval by the district’s school board.

Crosstown High School Inc. is a nonprofit organization created through a group of parents, community leaders and other local education stakeholders.

Here are the members of its board of directors:

  • John Smarrelli, president of Christian Brothers University and chairman of the board of Crosstown High School Inc.
  • Meg Crosby, principal at PeopleCap Advisors and a parent
  • Jane Hankins, physician researcher at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a parent
  • Justin Jamerson, business development consultant for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
  • Charles McKinney, associate professor and director of the Africana Studies Program at Rhodes College and a parent
  • Michelle McKissack, freelance media consultant and a parent
  • Gary Shorb, chief executive officer of Methodist Lebonheur Healthcare
  • Monica Wharton, chief legal officer and general counsel for Regional One Health and a parent