Memphis schools takeover could begin once state takeover board is ready, judge says
Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name. A federal judge appears poised to allow the state takeover of Memphis schools to move forward as soon as the oversight board says it’s ready to seize control of Tennessee’s largest school district.…
A federal judge appears set to permit the state takeover of Memphis schools to commence as soon as the oversight board indicates readiness, according to U.S. District Court Judge Waverly Crenshaw. The judge issued an order on Monday, signaling a potential removal of the temporary block on the state-appointed board after months of delay.
This development came days following the first hearing on Memphis-Shelby County Schools' lawsuit against the state takeover. Judge Crenshaw expressed earlier that he did not intend for the block to be long term. The oversight board chair, Billy Orgel, is instructed to provide an oath under oath once the board is "ready, willing, and able" to commence its work, which could allow the politically appointed board to assume control within days.
The board, set to begin its four-year term on July 1, has been criticized by MSCS and Shelby County officials for lacking processes to manage major financial decisions. The state oversight board, consisting of members including Billy Orgel and Karen Vogelsang, would assume control over the district's annual budget and staffing decisions under the state takeover.
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