Memphis, Tennessee, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The Shelby County Commission has voted to shift the reelection schedule for the Shelby County Board of Education seats to 2026, aligning it with the county commission elections. This change shortens the terms of current board members elected in 2024 by two years. While some commissioners express concern about disenfranchising voters, others support the move for cost-efficiency and increased voter participation. The commission also unanimously voted to implement term limits for board members and discuss a proposed recall referendum for further state approval.
Memphis, Tennessee – The Shelby County Commission made a significant decision on September 22, voting to shift the reelection schedule for all Shelby County Board of Education seats to 2026. The resolution was passed with a narrow margin of 7-5, and this change aligns the school board elections with the county commission elections.
As a result of the new schedule, the terms of the five Memphis-Shelby County School (MSCS) board members elected in 2024 will be shortened by two years. The education districts 1, 6, 8, and 9 were already slated for elections in 2026, while districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7, which were initially set to be elected in 2028, will also participate in the 2026 election cycle.
This alignment has sparked some controversy among the commissioners. Commissioner Erika Sugarmon expressed her discontent with the 2026 alignment, arguing that aligning the elections in 2030 would better honor the rights of voters who elected board members in 2024. Sugarmon emphasized that disenfranchising voters is against the principles of democracy.
In addition to the election alignment, Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer voiced support for synchronizing her office’s elections with the county commission elections. She believes this move will help reduce costs and enhance voter participation.
Commissioner Michael Whaley pointed out that the decision to realign elections will ultimately need to be made at the state level, indicating that further discussions may be necessary to finalize the matter.
Furthermore, in August, the commission unanimously voted to introduce term limits for MSCS board members starting in 2026. The new regulations will restrict board members to two four-year terms. This move is part of ongoing efforts to reform the governance of school board members.
The commission also deliberated on a proposed referendum that would allow Shelby County residents to vote on the recall of MSCS board members, although this measure requires state approval to be implemented. Attorney Megan Smith explained that currently, no state law or charter authority exists that would allow the commission to proceed with the recall of school board members.
Sugarmon, who is sponsoring the recall referendum, indicated that state legislators may consider a possible amendment at the upcoming assembly session. The commission voted unanimously to advance discussions regarding the recall referendum proposal, which will need to undergo further readings before it can gain approval.
Summary of Key Votes and Decisions
- Vote on the election realignment: 7-5
- Education districts with elections scheduled for 2026: 1, 6, 8, and 9
- Education districts with elections shifted to 2026: 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7
- Vote to impose term limits on MSCS board members: Unanimous
- Vote to proceed with discussions on the recall referendum proposal: Unanimous
Background Context
The Shelby County Commission’s decision to shift the election timeline for the Shelby County Board of Education aims to consolidate elections and potentially improve voter turnout. The changes also follow a broader trend of reforming the governance structures of educational bodies in the region. Adjustments like the introduction of term limits signify a move towards increased accountability and voter representation in school governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Shelby County Commission decide on September 22?
The Shelby County Commission voted to move all Shelby County Board of Education seats to be up for reelection in 2026.
What was the outcome of the vote?
The resolution was approved with a 7-5 vote.
Why was the election schedule changed?
This decision aligns the school board elections with county commission elections.
How will this decision affect the current board members?
The change shortens the terms of the five MSCS board members elected in 2024 by two years.
Which education districts will have elections in 2026?
Education districts 1, 6, 8, and 9 were already scheduled for election in 2026, while districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 will also participate due to the new alignment.
What were some of the opinions expressed by the commissioners?
Commissioner Erika Sugarmon disagreed with the 2026 alignment and advocated for a 2030 alignment to honor voter rights, while Tami Sawyer supported aligning elections to reduce costs and improve turnout.
What changes were made regarding term limits for board members?
The commission voted unanimously to impose term limits on MSCS board members starting in 2026, limiting them to two four-year terms.
What is the status of the proposed recall referendum?
The commission voted 11-0 to proceed with discussions regarding the recall referendum proposal, which will require state approval to become effective.
Key Features of Decision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vote Outcome | 7-5 to move elections to 2026 |
| Affected Districts | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Term Limit Implementation | Two four-year terms starting in 2026 |
| Recall Referendum Status | In discussions, requires state approval |
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis/Shelby County Schools Board Elections Changed
- Fox13 Memphis: All Shelby County School Board Members Up for Reelection in 2026
- Action News 5: Commission Approves Moving All MSCS Board Seats to 2026 Ballot
- Local Memphis: Shelby County Commission Votes to Put All MSCS Board Members Up for Reelection in 2026
- Wikipedia: Education in Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
