MSCS Board Members Natalie McKinney (upper left), Stephanie Love (upper center), Tamarques Porter (upper right), Sable Otey (lower left), and Towanna Murphy (lower right) (Photos by Memphis-Shelby County Schools)¶
All nine Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Board seats will now be up for re-election in 2026 after a close vote by the Shelby County Commission on Monday. That includes all five school board members voters put in office last year, who will now see their terms cut short.¶
Commissioners voted 7-5 to move board elections for those members chosen in 2024 up by four years, effectively requiring every seat to be contested in the next election cycle.¶
The move follows widespread criticism of the school board from commissioners, the Tennessee General Assembly, and some members of the public that began last year, when members began the process of firing former Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins after less than a year on the job. Lawmakers have additionally criticized district leaders for underperformance.¶
Supporters Voice Frustration and Need to Return Power to Voters¶
Multiple parents who attended Monday’s meeting said the decision to alter the election cycle was necessary to restore trust between the school board and families.¶
“We need the board on the 2026 ballot,” said parent Latasha Griggs. “I feel that if someone is sitting up there and thinks that they should be on the 2030 ballot, then that makes me question them, and what their motives are. The board already doesn’t listen to us as the parents.”¶
Community leaders also weighed in. Bishop Charles Lanin told commissioners the move aligned with state guidance and strengthened voter control.¶
“At the end of the day, we have legislation from the governor’s office that is very clear. Give the people the opportunity and their power back,” Lanin said.¶
Debate Over Long-Term Impact¶
Some commissioners stressed the change was bigger than short-term frustrations with the school board.¶
“I look at this as a long-term structural change,” said Commissioner Michael Whaley. “I think it’s a mistake to rely on this to air a grievance with any individual board member or board as a whole.”¶
Commissioners Erika Sugarmon was among those voting against the election change. She questioned whether removing the current staggered election schedule might lead to less experience on the the school board. She also questioned whether the move disenfranchises voters who cast ballots for school board members last year.¶
“I do not support overturning any elections period. People vote people into office for reasons,” said Commissioner Erika Sugarmon. “If we can simply say, ok I don’t agree with you, I don’t like you, then I’m going to pass something to get you out of office, that is not what we’re about. This is a democracy.“¶
New Law Made Election Change Possible¶
Commissioners originally proposed changing the school board’s election cycle in May, but opted to delay voting on the resolution.¶
The board received the authority to make the change under a newly passed state law that was among several pieces of legislation members of the Tennessee General Assembly proposed following Feagins’ termination. State lawmakers also considered legislation to intervene in the school district, but failed to iron out the differences between each chamber’s bill.¶
The next regularly scheduled school board elections will now take place in August 2026. Voters across Shelby County will decide who leads the district at a time when academic recovery, teacher retention, and budget challenges loom for the district.¶
