MSCS State Takeover
GOP lawmakers in the Tennessee legislature are pushing for a state-backed takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, citing low academic performance and financial mismanagement. Here’s the latest news.
A federal judge indicated Monday that he plans to lift the block on the state-appointed oversight board once it says it is ready to begin work.
18 schools will remain closed for a second day. The district canceled classes Monday after a Saturday storm caused widespread power outages, including at 40 schools.
Most Memphians agree that something needs to change in MSCS to help students succeed. RSVP to join Chalkbeat Tennessee’s Bri Hatch and local education experts Aug. 31 for a live virtual event on potential solutions.
Together4Students wants MSCS to drop its lawsuit over the state takeover. It’s training young fellows to rally support.
Most of the $53 million identified as potential abuse spending comes from a 2022 custodial contract that district leaders referred to the FBI for investigation.
A federal judge temporarily blocked the Memphis schools takeover after officials argued it could delay important decisions on purchases like HVAC repairs.
The state takeover board can pull from two pots of money to reform Memphis schools. It's unclear how and for what those funds can be used.
At a community advocacy event Saturday, dozens of Memphis parents told Chalkbeat they want new district leadership to better address reading gaps and district distrust.
The lawsuit challenges a new Tennessee law that establishes an oversight board to take control away from the locally elected school board.
The Memphis oversight board will take over district controls from the elected school board beginning July 1.
The nine-person board will now seize significant authority from the locally elected school board.