Why this ex-county commissioner supports the state takeover of Memphis schools
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. Former Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton says she’s part of a generation of students failed by Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Thornton went to a public elementary school in Orange Mound,…
Former Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton supports the state takeover of Memphis schools, believing the current school board has failed her and other students. Thornton, who served on the county commission for four years, voted against funding the school board's lawsuit and was the sole Democrat to vote in favor of accountability measures.
Thornton criticizes the lack of a plan to address deferred maintenance costs, teacher vacancies, and the pre-K students' underperformance. She believes the state takeover opens up resources and allows the newly appointed board to unlock funding. Thornton criticizes the current board for lacking professionalism and accountability, yet acknowledges the need for resistance against the state's actions.
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