A bill that would prompt state intervention into Memphis-Shelby County Schools has changed yet again, but has now passed out of a key committee.
During the Finance, Ways and Means committee in the Tennessee Senate April 16, amendments to the bill were put forth, which, yet again, changed the metrics for a takeover but also other key components of the bill. The bill could have statewide implications without the restrictions previously put in place.
The metrics for state takeover of a school district are now:
- At least 50% or more of a local education agency’s student population is economically disadvantaged;
- At least 50% or more of a local education agency’s students did not meet grade level expectations in math or English state testing; or
- At least one of the schools managed and controlled by the local education agency is a priority school.
The metrics differ slightly from previous versions of the Senate bill . Senate sponsor Sen. Brent Taylor, a Republican representing Eads and parts of Memphis and Shelby County, said the bill is not a “takeover,” but is designed to help a “challenged” school district…