Organization formed to oppose state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools says district problems are better solved locally

Members of Save Our Students 901 at a press conference last month (Photo by Save Our Students 901)

Last month a self described coalition of Memphis business, education, nonprofit, and faith leaders formed Save Our Students 901 to stave off state intervention into Memphis-Shelby County Schools(MSCS).

On Thursday the group held one of it’s first community discussions involving panelists who acknowledged the critical issues within the district, including infrastructure needs, teacher retention, funding disparities, and crime. Participants agreed these problems can be better solved at the local level by those invested in the community.

Panelists speaking during Thursday’s Save Our Schools 901 community hearing (Screenshot)

“We do not believe the system is perfect, but we do believe the system as it is deserves the opportunity to make its own choices with the support of the community and voices from the community,” said panelist Rhonnie Brewer.

“We know that if we could get the funding that we need, we could do better about retaining teachers, we could do better about maybe getting kids to come to school, because that’s a challenge,” former teacher Dolores Rivers told the group.

The possibility of state intervention has been looming in Memphis since school board members voted in January to fire former Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins after less than a year on the job. House Education Committee Chair Mark White told the Tennessee Firefly that the decision along with the district’s low math and reading proficiency were all reasons for state intervention.

Last week, House Speaker Cameron Sexton said leaders in the House and Senate are still working out the details of legislation to do just that along with conducting a forensic audit of the district to look for fraud, abuse, and waste.

Save Our Students 901 panelists said state officials aren’t familiar with the community, including the racial and social demographics of the Memphis area. Some said they’d be open to a collaborative effort but not forced measures.

“Somebody from the state that may not deal with the same culture that we are used to, and we deal with, cannot come in an overtake something that they know nothing about,” said parent Fatima Killebrew. “Come into partnership, come in and do different things, that’s what we feel needs to happen.”

“They’re making decisions from a state view about what’s happening locally in this area and being disconnected from that. How can someone who is not here, who is not experiencing the day to day in our area, understanding where the learning gaps are for our students, have the ability to say ‘Oh I think you should use this particular curriculum because we like it,’” asked Brewer. “And you don’t have to live with the implications or the outcomes of those decisions.”

Moderator Tikela Rucker referenced last week’s advancement of a bill requiring school districts to verify student citizenship during enrollment in the Senate Education Committee. Under the legislation, if a student could not provide proof of legal status, the district could charge them tuition and remove them if they do not pay.

“These are the same people that were saying we want to come in and take over our schools with the thought that they care about our students, our community, people that look like us not them,” said Rucker.

Panelists also expressed concerns about the possibilities of teacher and principal layoffs, closing schools, and privatization. They said the impact could possibly extend far beyond the school district.

“They should be aware that if the state takes over, there’s a great possibility that they might lose their jobs,” said panelist Corey Strong.

“If the schools close, you will start to see neighborhoods die. As the residents move out, so does the grocery store, so does the gas station, and so do all of the resources that people use in their community,” said Brewer. “So, when I think about state takeover, it’s a huge economic impact to our schools, our students, but also to our community.”

The group left the event with a call to action for community members. SOS 901 is launching a petition to state lawmakers opposing any state takeover or intervention with Memphis-Shelby County Schools. The group also want parents and neighbors to get involved in schools, engage with local leaders, and be sure to vote in local elections.

“Parents have to show up. You have the biggest voice.” Rivers told the group. “Parents have to hold the local leaders accountable. You have the biggest voice to advocate for what you need for your child.”

“In more than one number, we have a voice. If we all come together, as a parent your voice counts no matter what form it’s in, whether it’s email, whether that’s snail mail, whether it’s you signing a piece of paper,” said Killebrew. “So, finding a way to speak out in any form matters.”