4 things to know as the Memphis schools state takeover lawsuit progresses

1. The state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is at the center of a federal lawsuit, with a hearing scheduled for October 2 to decide whether a state-appointed oversight board can take control or if the local school board should retain power. If the state board is allowed to begin its work, they would have final say over the district's budget, charter approvals, and could even replace the superintendent.

2. Tennessee Republicans have been advocating for the takeover for nearly two years, citing poor academic performance and district mismanagement as reasons. In April, they passed a takeover law that lays out six criteria for a state-appointed board to oversee a district. Memphis meets four of these criteria, including low test scores and high student absenteeism.

3. Opponents argue that the last state intervention, the Achievement School District, failed to improve student outcomes, and that the district needs more investment and stable leadership. They also claim that the takeover infringes on voters' rights and is unconstitutional, as it would allow Tennessee Republicans to seize control from the locally elected school board.

4. The nine-member state-appointed oversight board consists of Republicans with ties to charter schools and MSCS itself. Former MSCS Superintendent Dorsey Hopson and former board member Billy Orgel are on the board, along with other members with connections to education advocacy organizations and local businesses. If the takeover is implemented, more schools could be shut down, with MSCS leaders already beginning to close five schools.