House Democrats are calling for a move by Republicans to replace elected school boards with “hostile takeovers” with state-designated boards. (Photo: Karen Pulfer Fock)
With only remaining days at the 2025 Tennessee session, Shelby County Councilman filed new laws on Tuesday, with critics calling “hostile takeovers” of Memphis-Shelby County schools by state.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mark White of East Memphis and Sen. Brent Taylor of Shelby County, will create state-appointed boards with authority over budget, contracts and policies, replacing district directors and board members. White’s bill should not be taken until Congress approves next year’s budget, and Taylor’s version was postponed until April 21st, followed by scheduled for Wednesday.
I am disappointed with the tactics that have been used to gain control in school. This wholesale takeover is not good for business.
– Rep. Joe Towns, D-Memphis
Liz Marble, president of the Shelby County United Education Association, called the bill “worst scenario” because the state can destroy voter decisions.
“We do so many positive things every day in our districts. The state shows that they are not a business that runs the school well,” Marable said, referring to the state’s failed achievement school district. “I feel this is another version of the state that is taking over the local school district.”
Democrat Joe Towns, a Memphis Democrat, called the situation a “hostile takeover.”
“I am disappointed with the tactics that have been used to gain control of the school,” Towns said. “This wholesale acquisition is not good for the business.”
The town admitted he was not satisfied with the student’s performance, but he said that if the state begins overseeing schools in Memphis, it could be expanded to cover all Tennessee districts.
Plans to audit $6 million at Memphis Shelby School, Tennessee
Memphis leaders have been battling proposals for months despite White saying action was needed to resolve the “decades of Underperformance.”
In addition to the state’s “buying,” lawmakers are investing $6 million in next year’s budget for a forensic audit of the school district.
Both bills create state-appointed oversight committees that oversee the operation of low-performing school systems for at least three to four years. The measure is not named a Memphis-Shelby County school, but even if the law could be used to chase other school districts, the district is clearly a target.
The state-appointed board retains authority over the district budget, contracts over $50,000, and property in underused vacant schools.
In addition to establishing an advisory committee, the Senate bill allows state education committees to recommend replacing district directors and board members. The committee members were also able to suggest that the school be placed under the charter group.
Under White’s bill, the governor has appointed four members, and the House and Senate presidents each have two members to choose, all of which must reside in the district’s counties. The Senate version grants state leaders seven appointments and allows the mayor or appointee to serve on the board. In that version, the board will remain for at least four years and will only end if state education committee members determine that the district has made “sufficient progress.”
Tennessee legislators drive acquisition of Memphis Shelby schools
In addition to veto authorities on district budgets, the oversight board can override the usual Election Board decision to deny charter school applications.
If 50% of students fail to meet the criteria for mathematics and English grade level, both bills will begin. 30% of schools receive a “D” or “F” from the state Department of Education. 25% of students are chronically absent, with at least one school identified as a “priority” school for poor performance, and local elected organizations declare that their school boards are not confident.
The Senate version is significantly different, and the oversight committee requires that a comprehensive study of the district be conducted and recommends a “change plan” that includes the targets that the district should meet. This review covers everything from policies and disciplinary cases to financial statements and accounting principles. Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public, except for meetings that adopt final recommendations.
The advisory board can hire up to three staff members to help, and is paid by the school district rather than the state. Under both bills, the board will be paid by the local district.
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