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Memphis public schools should not be taken by Tennessee

Memphis public schools should not be taken by Tennessee

Sakege06 mins

How far will they get? First, they were coupons, then municipal tips, now schools. The question is not just what follows, is who is next. Will your county be the next one on the acquisition list?

Tikeila Rucker
| Guest columnist

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Once again, Tennessee’s state government is exceeding its authority, and Using Memphis as your test grounds.

This time they have their eyes on the Mesphis Shelby (MSC) county schools. Let’s be clear, it’s not about improving education. This is a political power, a violation of the rights of voters and a dangerous precedent for each state school district.

The shot of Superintendent Marie Feagins He was controversial, and although I do not agree with how the Board handled the decision, it was within its legal authority to do so.

The impulse of the State for an acquisition is nothing more than political reprisals, preparing the scenario for a bait and switch that serves its own agenda instead of the interests of our schools and communities.

If you can erase the decisions of a school board chosen in Memphis, they can and will do the same in Tennessee.

4 ways in which Tennessee legislators frustrated the will of local communities

This is not the first time that the General Assembly of Tennessee ignores the will of local communities. We have seen this game before:

  • Private school vouchers: When legislators could not approve coupons throughout the state, they were forced to Memphis and Nashville. Now, it is throughout the state.
  • The acquisition of Nashville airport: They dissolved a locally controlled table and replaced it with one where most seats designated by state officials.
  • Forcing the Nashville City Council to shrink: A clear example of State ignoring the will of local voters.
  • TSU Board Acquisition Board – The State has now moved to take control of Tennessee State University Board, Despite the years of historically sub -financing colleges and black universities (HBCU).

(Editor’s note: The airport authority and council problems are actively disputed in the Court).

In each of these cases, the State annulled local decision making because they did not like the result. The acquisition of MSCS is just the last example of this dangerous pattern.

Opinion: Quality education for Memphis Cement Cement City students as an innovation center

Let’s not be deceived! The State already controls public education through funds, curricular mandates and standardized tests. If they really worry about academic results, schools would completely reduce schools and support teachers. Instead, they want control of the MSC mass budget, which includes millions in federal funds, contracts, school buildings and resources. This acquisition is money and power, not the success of the students.

Push against the state acquisition of Memphis schools

It’s not just about Memphis, it’s about the future of each school district in Tennessee. If the State takes care of the MSC, the largest school district in the State, establishes a dangerous precedent to take advantage of any school board that challenges its agenda.

Opinion: Register in the Black Bulletin of Tennessee Voices

Today is Memphis. Tomorrow could be its district.

No school board is safe from state interference. This is a struggle for local control, the rights of voters and the fundamental principles of democracy.

How far will they get? First, they were coupons, then municipal tips, now schools. The question is not just what follows: it is Who next. Will your county be the next one on the acquisition list?

We do not have a second second: unite the movement to save our students and protect local autonomy today!

Get more information on the website for Protect MSCS students: stop the acquisition of the State! (https://bit.ly/saveoustudnts901).

Tikeila Rucker is Memphis political director for all.

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