Memphians seek alternatives to avoid state takeover of MSCS board
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphians who opposed two MSCS takeover bills in the Tennessee General Assembly are now floating their own ideas to keep the state from moving in.
As the debate continues to reach a feverish pitch over bills calling for a takeover or makeover of the MSCS school board, WREG is learning about local alternative plans to Senator Brent Taylor and Rep. Mark White's proposals.
'It's not a state takeover once again. It's made up of nine Shelby County people who are experts in education that can lead us forward,' said Mark White.
'We deserve better than what we're getting': Lawmaker shares more about bill to take over MSCS
This week, WREG obtained a letter from Shelby County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon sent to the Shelby County Delegation proposing what she calls an alternative solution to the bills.
On Wednesday at 'WREG at 3 PM,' Sugarmon said that she'd like to explore possibly rescinding the County Commission's No Confidence vote of the school board.
'What I'm hearing from people if the county commission rescinds the no-confidence, then that doesn't give the state the right,' said Sugarmon. 'So, I have to talk to legal to see if that is correct.'
House bill for state control of MSCS advances
Sugarmon plans to create a locally appointed oversight board selected by the Shelby County Commission and Memphis City Council.
She also proposes amendments to the Shelby County Charter allowing the county commission to put two referendums on the 2026 ballot regarding the school board.
'What we're trying to do is listen to the people. People wanted term limits for the school board and they wanted recall. So, we ask the state to give us that ability by changing our charter,' said Sugarmon.
MSCS board members call state takeover bill 'attack on democracy'
This week, several Memphians traveled to Nashville to voice their opposition to the takeover bills. Ron Redwing and Save Our Students are proposing their alternative plan.
'This board would be appointed by the Shelby County Commission, and they would have oversight over that board,' said Redwing.
Redwing who also appeared on 'WREG at 3 PM' said that he also wants to hold Shelby County Commissioners accountable for triggering a possible state takeover.
'We're not asking, but we are demanding that the Shelby County Commission rescind their votes and we're especially demanding that those democrats who voted the No Confidence vote for this school board be held accountable,' said Redwing.
Some members of 'Save our Students' and other stakeholders say they plan on traveling back to Nashville next week to meet with state lawmakers about the MSCS takeover bills. Of course, we'll keep you posted on what happens.Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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