Billy Orgel
Coverage of Billy Orgel in the Nexus archive.
- Memphis schools takeover blocked by judge in temporary order
A federal judge temporarily blocked a state takeover board's authority over Memphis-Shelby County Schools, preventing disruptions to contract payments and operations ahead of the 2026-27 school year. The court order aims to maintain the status quo as the district prepares for the August 3 start date.
- MSCS will pay the state oversight board’s salary. But who will fund its work?
Tennessee has established a state oversight board to control Memphis-Shelby County Schools, with MSCS funding the board members' $30,000 annual salaries. The board's operational costs may come from a state reserve fund of $500,000 to $1 million or amendments to MSCS' local budget, though details remain unclear. A lawsuit challenges the board's constitutionality.
- Former Memphis-Shelby County school board chair will lead new oversight board
Billy Orgel, former Memphis-Shelby County school board chair, will lead the new oversight board overseeing the district's operations starting July 1. The board will control budgets, leadership, and academic decisions, potentially accelerating school closures. An ongoing audit identified financial irregularities, including $1.1 million in transactions flagged as waste or abuse.
- Former Memphis school board member, local lawyer tapped for new schools oversight board
Billy Orgel and Dedrick Brittenum Jr. have been appointed to a state-led oversight board overseeing Memphis-Shelby County Schools. The board, which will control key district decisions until 2030, includes members from various professional backgrounds, including business, law, and education.