Tennessee Bill Proposes State Control Over Memphis Schools

News Summary

A proposed bill in Tennessee seeks to transfer control of Memphis-Shelby County Schools to the state, aiming to establish a board of managers in response to underperformance. Supporters argue for necessary reforms while critics express concerns over local governance and possible privatization. As discussions continue, the future of the bill remains uncertain amidst public debate.

Tennessee Bill Advances for State Control Over Memphis-Shelby County Schools Amid Controversy

Memphis is currently buzzing with discussion as a proposed bill that could shift control of local schools to the state is making its way through the Tennessee legislature. The bill, known as the Tennessee Public School Accountability Act, has successfully cleared the K-12 subcommittee with a vote of 6-2. The legislation, which is a key focus for State Representative Mark White and State Senator Brent Taylor, is now headed to the Education Committee and is expected to reach the House for a vote soon.

A Closer Look at the Bill

So, what does this bill entail? If passed, it would allow the state to take charge of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) by establishing a board of managers specifically for the local school district. This board would consist of nine members—five appointed by the governor, two by the state speaker of the Senate, and two by the state speaker of the House. Adding to the mix, all board members would need to be residents of Shelby County and must possess expertise in relevant fields.

This proposed board of managers would be responsible for creating a comprehensive improvement plan within 90 days, aiming to turn around the underperformance that has plagued the district. It’s no secret that only about 17% of MSCS students are currently proficient in math, while the reading proficiency rate is a dismal 23%. Furthermore, the district is struggling with over $1 billion in deferred maintenance on its buildings. Clearly, something needs to change, right?

The Controversy Unfolds

Despite the highlighted need for intervention, many residents of Memphis are voicing strong opposition regarding the bill. Critics, including local resident Ron Redwing, are concerned that the measure undermines local governance by substituting an elected school board with appointed managers. This shift could take control away from the community and hand it over to appointed officials, which leaves some residents feeling uneasy.

There’s also a looming fear that this could lead to the privatization of schools in the district, a trend that some folks think could have detrimental effects on education quality. The intervention strategy outlined in the bill is modeled after a plan previously implemented in Houston, Texas, which was scrutinized for its financial mismanagement. Thus, many community members are understandably wary of replicating such a model here.

State Intervention and Its Implications

This bill sets forth four specific criteria that could prompt state intervention in school districts, and if it passes, similar measures may emerge statewide for other low-performing schools. Democratic representatives have raised alarms regarding the implications of state intervention on local governance. As you can see, it’s a hot topic that has people engaged and debating all over Memphis.

What’s Next?

As the bill continues its legislative journey, further discussions and amendments are expected. Supporters argue that the change is necessary for the benefit of the students, given the challenging statistics. Meanwhile, opponents argue that the local community should retain its say in how schools are run. With so much at stake, residents are keeping a close eye on how this situation unfolds.

In the end, the fate of Memphis-Shelby County Schools hangs in the balance as lawmakers deliberate on the bill’s next steps. Will the state gain control, or will the local community prevail in maintaining its governing power? Only time will tell, but you can bet that this story is far from over!

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Memphis-Shelby County Schools Faces State Control

Additional Resources

• Action News 5
• Wikipedia: School Reform
• Commercial Appeal
• Google Search: Tennessee MSCS takeover bill
• Tennessee Lookout
• Google Scholar: Tennessee public school accountability act
• Local Memphis
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Funding
• Fox 13 Memphis
• Google News: Tennessee education policy