By Eleanor Boudreau
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkno/local-wkno-950949.mp3
Memphis, TN – Senate Bill 25 passed the state Senate last night. The bill dictates how a merger of Memphis and Shelby County schools can take place.
The bill only applies in instances where merging two schools systems would double the size of the county schools--that means you, Memphis and Shelby County. It's unclear if the bill would apply anywhere else, but here's what it does
If Memphians vote to transfer administration of Memphis City Schools over to Shelby County Schools, "Then there should be formed a planning commission," said Republican state Senator Mark Norris. Norris is a Collierville resident and Majority Leader in the Senate. Senate Bill 25 is his bill.
The planning commission will be selected by Republican county Mayor Mark Luttrell, Memphis City Schools Board President Freda Williams, and Shelby County Schools Board Chairman David Pickler. Each of those three would also serve on the commission.
Republican Governor Bill Haslam, Republican state Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey, and Republican state House Speaker Beth Harwell would also get to appoint people to the planning commission.
Then, the merger wouldn't take place right away.
"At the end of a three-year period the transfer would be effective," Norris said.
And finally, "The restrictions currently imposed on the formation of municipal school districts and special school districts would no longer apply," Norris said.
That means it might be possible for people in the county outside of Memphis to form their own school systems separate from the consolidated Memphis and Shelby County school system.
Democrats from Memphis, state senators Beverly Marrero and Jim Kyle objected to how little representation Memphians get on the planning commission. Marrero called the bill "paternalistic."
Kyle said, "Solve a dispute between suburban communities and an urban city--this is the business of the state?"
Kyle held up a map with Memphis outlined, and Shelby County surrounding it. "If the folks in the unlined area don't like it, they form a special school district," Kyle said.
Democratic objections didn't matter much--20 Republicans voted for the bill, ten Democrats voted against it.
Norris says his bill is needed if Memphis and Shelby County schools are going be successful.
"Unification without unity defeats its purpose. If it's unification you desire, then unity is preferred," Norris said.
It's unclear who--the city or the county--would pay for Norris' planning commission. Unlike representation on that commission, Norris suggested they could split it.
The Republican controlled state House is expected to pass the bill later this week.