Judge lifts block on state takeover of Memphis schools
Appointed board can now run MSCS budget, contracts and closures while the district's lawsuit continues
MEMPHIS — U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw on Thursday dissolved the temporary order he issued in late June that had kept the state-appointed oversight board from taking over Memphis-Shelby County Schools. The ruling came days after board chair Billy Orgel told the court in a filing that the nine-member panel was ready to operate. The board can now direct major decisions, including adopting the annual budget, closing schools, approving contracts over $50,000 and choosing a superintendent. At an Oct. 2 hearing, Crenshaw said the district had not shown enough evidence of harm to students. He also dismissed the governor, the education commissioner and legislative leaders as defendants. The district's broader challenge to the state law continues. At the Oct. 8 meeting, one board member questioned approving policies written by a consultant, MGT, outside public view.
Why it mattersTennessee's largest school district is now under the authority of an appointed panel, which changes who sets its budget and who can close schools.
