These are the candidates running for Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board District 5

Incumbent Mauricio Calvo is looking to be elected to the seat for the first time, having been appointed after it was vacated since the last election. He faces three challengers.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board District 5

Mauricio Calvo (incumbent)

Calvo, who serves as the CEO of the nonprofit Latino Memphis, was appointed to the District 5 seat in July. To improve student literacy, Calvo said he was focused on creating the best environment for learning by attracting and retaining great teachers and providing safe environments for students. When it comes to the district's ballooning deferred maintenance figure, Calvo said he is "willing to make unpopular decisions" that are in the interest of students to tackle the issue.

Audrey Elion

Elion serves as co-director of the environmental justice nonprofit Sowing Justice and regional chair for the Memphis/Shelby County suicide prevention network, according to LinkedIn. She did not respond to questions from The Commercial Appeal about priorities if elected.

Porsha Goodman

Goodman serves as executive director or Door of Hope, a local nonprofit focused on housing and wraparound services for Memphis' unhoused population. She did not respond to questions from The CA about priorities if elected.

Sable Otey

Otey, who works as an insurance broker and financial literacy coach, has a background in business and finance. Otey advocated for investing more in early childhood education programs focused on literacy to tackle low reading scores. She also advocated for the board to invest more in in-classroom technology to better equip students with "skills they need for success in a digital world."