TBA Law Blog

TBA Law Blog

Memphis-Shelby Schools Vote to Sue Over State Takeover

Posted by: Azya Thornton on Apr 23, 2026

Memphis-Shelby County School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to sue over a state takeover of the district, the Daily Memphian reports. On Wednesday, the House and Senate passed the measure, sending it to Gov. Bill Lee for his consideration. The plan would give a nine-member, state-appointed board authority over the district through at least 2030, potentially reshaping how Memphis’ approximately 100,000 students are educated, how schools are governed and how roughly $1.7 billion in annual local, state and federal education funding is allocated. The school board argues the measure is unconstitutional and grants “unprecedented authority” over the system. It also directed general counsel Justin Bailey to retain outside counsel. Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis, who sponsored the legislation and spoke prior to its passage, said that the measure is not targeted at any particular district.

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