News Summary
Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) may be on the brink of a state takeover following the firing of Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins. A proposed bill aims to introduce state oversight and add members to the school board. Lawmakers are addressing concerns of academic underperformance and local governance, sparking community discussions and potential changes in educational policy.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools on the Brink of a State Takeover?
In the bustling city of Memphis, big changes may be on the horizon for the schools. Recent events, including the firing of former Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins, have sparked discussions around the potential for a state takeover of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS). The proposed legislation, spearheaded by local Republican Representative Mark White, aims to shake things up in an effort to address longstanding concerns about the district’s performance.
Whatโs Going On?
The backdrop to this situation is a troubling trend: MSCS has been struggling to keep up academically with surrounding suburban school districts. With aging facilities and consistent underperformance, the urgency for change has never felt greater. Lawmakers are pointing fingers at the school district’s leadership and management, pressing for more accountability and oversight.
The Historic Achievement School District
To understand the current issues, we need to take a quick dive into history. Back in 2010, the Achievement School District (ASD) was created to tackle low-performing schools through the federal “Race to the Top” initiative. This initiative, aimed at improving educational outcomes, received bipartisan support and was boosted by a hefty $500 million in federal grants. However, the solution has not been a perfect fix, and many feel it hasn’t solved the foundational problems
The Legislative Response
As conversations heat up, House Bill 662 has been proposed but has yet to be filed officially. If it does pass, it would allow Governor Bill Leeโs administration to appoint up to six new members to the MSCS school board while keeping the current nine members intact. This means a mixed board that could shift the dynamics of decision-making in the district significantly.
Rep. White has expressed his unhappiness with the districtโs lackluster academic performance and has critiqued the search for a new superintendentโespecially for not focusing on home-grown candidates. This adds another layer of complexity, as residents are keenly interested in ensuring that local voices are prioritized in decisions affecting their schools.
Increasing State Involvement
The drumbeat for a state takeover has been intensifying following Dr. Feagins’ termination earlier this year. The idea of state intervention brings to mind concerns raised by similar actions in other parts of the country, like Texas and the Houston Independent School District. If the state gets involved, a monitoring board made up of local citizens could be created, giving it full authority over the current school board troubled with fears of losing their control.
The Forensic Audit Unraveled
On top of all this, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners has requested a forensic audit to investigate the financial management of MSCS in light of the recent leadership shake-up. The cost of this audit is expected to exceed the initial $50,000 budget, with county officials searching for reputable accounting firms to carry out the investigation efficiently.
Community Concerns
Whatโs on the Horizon?
As the proposed legislation moves to the forefront, the “Tennessee Public School Accountability Act” could usher in a new era of state oversight based on specific metricsโmost of which MSCS meets, except for one. Discussions are set to take place in the state House K-12 subcommittee on March 12 and will also be reviewed by the Senate education committee afterward.
If everything goes to plan for the proposal, it could establish a nine-member state-appointed board to take control of what was once an elected school board. This could primarily function as an advisory body, leaving local voices feeling sidelined.
The Call for Local Governance
As this situation unfolds, community leaders are rallying together to oppose the takeover, emphasizing the importance of local governance and parent involvement in shaping educational policy. The outcome of this debate could significantly impact the fabric of education in Memphis, and residents are encouraged to stay informed and involved as these developments continue to unravel.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Memphis Schools Face Potential State Intervention
Memphis Schools Set to Reopen After Storm Closures
Forensic Audit Approved for Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Memphis Schools Consider State Intervention for Improvement
Memphis Community Mourns Following Series of Devastating House Fires
Memphis Teachers Demand Leadership Changes Amid Controversy
Memphis Schools Under State Control Amid Leadership Changes
Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: State Takeover Timeline
- Local Memphis: MSCS State Takeover Discussion
- Action News 5: Community Rallies Against MSCS Takeover
- Fox 13 Memphis: Houston Model for MSCS Takeover
- Daily Memphian: Opposition to MSCS Takeover
- Wikipedia: Memphis-Shelby County Schools
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.
