Why school board members can’t be recalled
MSCS school board member Sable Otey argues with an audience member during a special-called board meeting to potentially oust superintendent Marie Feagins Dec. 17, 2024. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
Under current state and county laws, Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members can’t be recalled.
But why is that?
At the local level, the Shelby County charter — which was approved by county voters on Aug. 2, 1984, and became effective Sept. 1, 1986 — allows recall votes for specific offices, primarily the county mayor and board of commissioners, as outlined in Section 5.24.
Not only does that section make no mention of school board offices, but Section 6.02 of the county charter specifically exempts the board.
“The provisions of this charter shall not apply to county school funds or to the county board of education, or to the county superintendent of education for any purpose,” it says.
Many in Memphis have advocated to recall certain school board members during and in the wake of a special-called meeting Tuesday, Dec. 17, to vote on MSCS Superintendent Marie Feagins’ continued employment with the district. Despite those calls, there seems no clear path for doing so.
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Memphis Shelby County Schools Dr. Marie Feagins MSCS board Subscriber OnlyThank you for supporting local journalism.
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Jody Callahan
Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.
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