Memphis Suburbs Vow to Fight Schools Merger

Cameron McWhirter & Timothy Martin:

Officials in the suburbs of Memphis, Tenn., said Wednesday they would fight what they see as a shotgun marriage that joins its school system with that of the city, claiming the move will harm academic standards and increase bureaucracy.

City residents voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to merge its school system--the largest in Tennessee--with the system run by surrounding Shelby County. The two systems operate as separate entities and administrations, but draw money from the same county-wide tax-revenue base--rare for school districts.

The move by the Memphis schools, which still faces a federal lawsuit, has drawn the ire of suburban politicians.

"We will proceed, whether through legislative or judicial channels, to try to undo what we believe has been an ill-conceived and poorly executed plan to take over the Shelby County school system," said David Pickler, chairman of the Shelby County school board.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at March 10, 2011 1:29 AM
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