Legislation laying out the much-discussed state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools passed April 22 in the Tennessee General Assembly. The bill’s final details, which were approved April 20 during a conference committee, give sweeping powers over the district to nine state appointees. The new board could reshape how the district educates Memphis’ 100,000 students, where they go to school, who is in charge of those schools and how $1.7 billion in local, state and federal funding is spent on education each year. But a legal challenge is mounting. The MSCS board voted, even before the bill officially passed, to pursue a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of what its resolution called “unprecedented authority.” And the Shelby County Commission could consider funding the legal action.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young said the City of Memphis made “significant trade-offs” as it designed the city’s coming fiscal year budget, which he presented to the City Council last week. The city’s operating budget is projected to increase to $897 million in expenses in the coming fiscal year, up about $9.8 million, largely due to a proposed 2% raise for all city employees. It’s also due to an increase in the cost of doing business, such as rising pension and healthcare costs. Hours before Young’s budget presentation, City Council members took a bus ride to survey ongoing city projects that represent hundreds of millions in taxpayer investment.

Also, longtime state Rep. G.A. Hardaway died Friday morning in Nashville, mere hours after the Tennessee General Assembly gaveled out Thursday night. Described as a “cool cat” by fellow state Rep. Antonio Parkinson, Hardaway was known for being well-versed on issues and being an advocate for Memphis.

— Metro editor Jane Donahoe

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The Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives both voted down party lines Wednesday, April 22, to pass a takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk. 

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Longtime state rep G.A. Hardaway dies By Bill Dries

Leaders from both parties mourn G.A. Hardaway By The Daily Memphian Staff

Ever the ‘cool cat' in dapper clothes, G.A. Hardaway knew what mattered to his community By Jody Callahan

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