‘Makeover, not a takeover': Faith leaders denounce state's efforts to takeover MSCS
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — 'Save our students, save our schools!' is part of a slogan that was pushed by faith leaders as they came together to speak against a bill that would allow the state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
The bill would allow the state to replace locally elected school board members with a state-appointed Board of Managers for at least four years if certain criteria are met, as well as remove much of board members' powers.
This bill came to fruition after the chaos that has unfolded following the ouster of former Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins earlier this year.
While some elected officials might have been divided when it came to Dr. Feagins' firing, they're united on the belief that Nashville doesn't know what's best for Memphis.
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Faith Leaders gathered at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, where they claimed the state's attempts at a takeover come down to 'money and power.'
'Now admittedly, we may need a makeover but we do not need a takeover,' said Bishop Linwood Dillard.
'I don't believe for one minute that Republicans in middle and east Tennessee care anything about our children,' said Reverend Bill Adkins Jr. 'You're not going to convince me that they care. Now what I believe they care about is a $2.1 billion annual budget.'
Board member Towanna Murphy, who voted to fire Dr. Feagins, said she doesn't see how there could be some kind of compromise with the state when it comes to the bill.
'We were well within our rights and we did our jobs and we followed the rules,' Murphy said. 'We followed the policies and we were in our rights of what we had to do.'
Hours before the rally, another group made up of other board members, concerned citizens and leaders gathered at MSCS headquarters.
MSCS board members call state takeover bill 'attack on democracy'
They also spoke out against the bill, acknowledging families are upset and they too want action, but this would give the state unprecedented power.
'This is about control,' MSCS board Member Amber Huett-Garcia said. 'So we're all standing here united saying that we want a path forward. We understand that you all want to see change, but this is not the answer.'
'I want to emphasize that we don't need any more rash, knee-jerk decisions regarding Memphis Shelby County Schools,' MSCS board member Michelle McKissack said. 'I think that is partly the reason of how we got where we are today of acting and moving too quickly.'
That bill is expected to be introduced on Tuesday.
Save our Students, Save our Schools, is inviting those in the community to come to 6727 Raleigh LaGrange Road to ride the bus to Nashville on Tuesday.
They ask that those interested be there at 5 a.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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