Despite passionate opposition from Memphis faith leaders, educators and community advocates, a bill that could place Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) under state control advanced out of a key Tennessee House subcommittee Tuesday, March 19.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mark White (R-Memphis), would allow the state to assume authority over a local school board if it determines the district is “fiscally impaired” or experiencing governance issues. Supporters argue the measure is necessary to ensure accountability, while critics — including MSCS board members and Memphis leaders — say it is a targeted attack on local control.
Organized by the S.O.S. (Save Our Students) Coalition, a delegation of Memphians traveled to Nashville in an effort to stop the bill, which critics argue is an overreach by state lawmakers into local education. Despite pushback from Democratic lawmakers and community members, the bill cleared its first legislative hurdle and now moves to the full House Education Committee.
Monday night, ahead of the legislative showdown, clergy members and advocates rallied at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, calling on Memphis residents to contact their lawmakers and oppose the measure…