A House Democrat is calling a move by Republicans to replace an elected school board with a state-appointed board a “hostile takeover.” (Photo: Karen Pulfer Focht)
With only days remaining in the 2025 Tennessee session, Shelby County lawmakers filed new legislation Tuesday that critics call a “hostile takeover” of Memphis Shelby County Schools by the state.
Amendments to bills sponsored by Rep. Mark White of East Memphis and Sen. Brent Taylor of Shelby County would create a state-appointed board with authority over the locally-elected school board on budgets, contracts, policy and potentially allow district directors and board members to be replaced. White’s bill isn’t to be taken up until the legislature approves a budget for next year, and Taylor’s version was deferred until April 21, then scheduled for Wednesday…