Memphis, Tennessee, January 9, 2026
A Shelby County Chancery Court judge has temporarily restrained the Shelby County Election Commission from accepting candidate petitions for five Memphis-Shelby County Schools board seats. This follows a lawsuit initiated by current board members who claim that their terms are being unconstitutionally shortened due to a realignment of election cycles. The court’s decision provides temporary relief and is set for a full hearing later this month.
Memphis, Tennessee: Court Halts School Board Election Preparations Amid Legal Dispute
Memphis, Tennessee – A Shelby County Chancery Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order halting the Shelby County Election Commission from accepting candidate petitions for five Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) board seats. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by five MSCS board members challenging the shortening of their terms due to a realignment of election cycles.
Legal Action and Court Ruling
On January 6, 2026, the Chancery Court granted the restraining order, preventing the Election Commission from issuing petitions for Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. The board members involved in the lawsuit argue that the alteration of their election cycles is unconstitutional and constitutes legislative punishment. The court is scheduled to hear the full lawsuit later this month.
Background on Election Cycle Realignment
In September 2025, the Shelby County Commission voted to realign all MSCS board seats to the 2026 election cycle, effectively shortening the terms of five board members elected in 2024. This decision was made in response to the board’s firing of former Superintendent Marie Feagins. The move aims to synchronize school board elections with county commission elections, a change that has been met with legal challenges from the affected board members.
Implications and Next Steps
The court’s decision to halt election preparations provides temporary relief to the board members contesting the term changes. The legal proceedings will continue, with a full hearing scheduled for later this month to determine the constitutionality of the election cycle realignment.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Action | Five MSCS board members filed a lawsuit challenging the shortening of their terms due to election cycle realignment. |
| Court Decision | The Chancery Court issued a temporary restraining order halting the Shelby County Election Commission from accepting candidate petitions for five MSCS board seats. |
| Affected Districts | Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 are impacted by the court’s decision. |
| Background | The Shelby County Commission voted to realign all MSCS board seats to the 2026 election cycle, shortening the terms of five board members elected in 2024, in response to the firing of former Superintendent Marie Feagins. |
| Next Steps | A full hearing for the lawsuit is scheduled for later this month to determine the constitutionality of the election cycle realignment. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current status of the MSCS board election preparations?
The Shelby County Chancery Court has issued a temporary restraining order halting the Shelby County Election Commission from accepting candidate petitions for five MSCS board seats. This order is in effect until further court proceedings.
Which MSCS board seats are affected by the court’s decision?
The court’s restraining order applies to the following MSCS board seats: Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7.
What is the reason behind the legal dispute over the election cycle realignment?
The dispute centers on the Shelby County Commission’s decision to realign all MSCS board seats to the 2026 election cycle, which shortens the terms of five board members elected in 2024. The affected board members argue that this change is unconstitutional and constitutes legislative punishment.
When is the full hearing for the lawsuit scheduled?
The full hearing for the lawsuit is scheduled for later this month, where the court will determine the constitutionality of the election cycle realignment.
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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 area—with 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.
