(The Center Square) – One Tennessee Democrat said a possible bill by lawmakers that allows the state to take over Memphis schools is an “attack on democracy.”
The school board of the Memphis Shelby County Public Schools is under fire after dismissing Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins last week.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, said on KWAM News Radio in Memphis that legislation is in the works to take over the school system.
“The state will put in place a different board made up of various individuals in Shelby County who will oversee the schools and be able to make the changes that are necessary or hire a new director if necessary to get the schools back under control,” Sexton said Monday in an interview shared by the radio station on X.
The school board said it was unhappy with Feagins’ performance, according to reports from WMC.
Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, said Sexton’s comments were an “attack on democracy.”
“Memphis-Shelby County Schools are making progress, despite being part of one of the most underfunded state education systems in the country,” Akbari said. “Instead of punishing local decisions, we should focus on moving forward together.”
Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, chairwoman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, said it would be a government overreach.
“The citizens of Shelby County have democratically elected their school board members to make decisions that best reflect the unique needs and aspirations of our community,” Lamar said. “Removing these duly elected officials not only undermines the will of the voters but also sets a troubling precedent for state intervention in local affairs.”
As of Monday afternoon, no bills regarding the takeover of the Memphis school system had been filed. The General Assembly is meeting in a special session this week to address school choice, hurricane relief and immigration.
