Memphis, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Memphis education leaders are reacting strongly to remarks by state lawmakers advocating for a state takeover of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district. Derogatory comments made by lawmakers have fueled tensions, especially following the dismissal of former Superintendent Marie Feagins. As the district faces academic challenges, a forensic audit is set to begin, raising questions about local governance and state intervention in education.
Memphis
Local education leaders in Memphis are expressing strong discontent over recent statements made by state Republican lawmakers, Rep. Mark White and Sen. Brent Taylor, who are advocating for a state takeover of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) district. The remarks, which included derogatory language used by Taylor, have ignited further tension as the district faces both academic challenges and political scrutiny.
Sen. Taylor described MSCS board members in disrespectful terms, notably calling them โdumba**esโ and likening them to โjock itch.โ Such comments have drawn considerable ire, particularly as a majority of the MSCS board consists of Black women. This situation has been interpreted by board member Natalie McKinney as part of a broader trend of hostility directed towards local governance, a sentiment fueled by national political dynamics.
The backdrop of this controversy is the school board’s recent decision to terminate former Superintendent Marie Feagins, a move that has prompted both legislative action and community backlash. Feagins is currently pursuing legal action against the board, claiming that her dismissal violated the Tennessee Open Meetings Act. Meanwhile, the district is grappling with a combination of academic and financial difficulties, reflecting underlying administrative issues.
In support of their position, White and Taylor cited MSCS’s recent state test scores as indications that a leadership change is necessary. Notably, the district did see a minor uptick in third-grade reading proficiency scores, rising from 26% to 29%. However, lawmakers argue this improvement is insufficient compared to state averages, where 41.7% of Tennessee third graders achieved proficiency in reading. White has voiced concerns regarding the district’s overall preparedness in equipping students for life after graduation, underscoring the perceived urgency for intervention.
The situation has drawn criticism from advocates and education representatives. Dolores Rivers, an interim director of the Memphis-Shelby County Education Association, highlighted that such political scrutiny undermines the efforts of local teachers, downplaying the progress made within the district. Comparisons have also been made between MSCS and the University Schools, which are managed by the University of Memphis. Lawmakers assert that both institutions serve similar demographics, though significant differences in their admission processes suggest disparities in their academic performances.
Community leader Cardell Orrin has pointed out that the rationale for proposed state intervention appears to be shifting, questioning whether lawmakers fully comprehend the unique challenges facing MSCS. In a further examination of the situation, the state plans to initiate a $6 million forensic audit of MSCS this month, which is expected to yield additional insights that may influence future legislative decisions regarding the district’s governance.
Despite the forthcoming audit, White indicated he remains committed to advancing his agenda, regardless of its findings, and anticipates that preliminary results could still drive legislative actions. The ongoing dialogue illustrates a broader narrative among local lawmakers aiming to dismantle bureaucratic structures perceived as barriers to improving educational outcomes for Memphis students.
Background Context
MSCS, which serves a significant portion of economically disadvantaged students, has consistently faced scrutiny regarding its performance metrics. Recent legislative actions targeting local school governance raise critical questions about the balance of local and state control in public education and whether such interventions will ultimately benefit students.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lawmakers Involved | Rep. Mark White, Sen. Brent Taylor |
| Recent Controversy | Derogatory comments by Sen. Taylor vs. MSCS board |
| Superintendent Termination | Marie Feagins was dismissed, leading to legal action |
| Key Statistics | Third-grade reading proficiency increased to 29% |
| State Audit | $6 million forensic audit to begin this month |
FAQ
What prompted the proposed state takeover of MSCS?
Local lawmakers cite ongoing academic struggles and recent changes in district leadership as reasons for proposing a state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
How have the recent remarks by lawmakers affected local board members?
The remarks have provoked outrage among board members and local advocates, contributing to a charged political climate as they see it as an affront to local governance.
What is the significance of the upcoming state audit of MSCS?
The audit, costing $6 million, is expected to assess the district’s financial and operational practices, potentially impacting legislative decisions regarding its governance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
MSCS Schools Begin New Year with Infrastructure Challenges
Memphis Schools Address Elevated Lead Levels in Water
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Undergo Major Restructuring
Tennessee Schools Enact New Legislation for Students
Resolution to Align MSCS Elections with 2026 Ballot
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Unveils New Regional Structure
Shelby County Board Proposes Changes to MSCS Elections
Tennessee Lawmakers Propose Takeover of Memphis Schools
Tennessee Lawmakers Initiate $6 Million School Audit
Memphis to Host Public Lunar New Year Fair Celebrating Asian Cultures
Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis University Schools
- Tennessee Lookout: School Leaders Response
- Fox 13 Memphis: University of Memphis Tuition Increase
- Action News 5: University of Memphis Acquisition
- Wikipedia: Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
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