state takeover

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is intensifying efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism through door-to-door outreach campaigns, targeting neighborhoods with low enrollment and high absenteeism. The district faces state scrutiny and a potential takeover due to its high absenteeism rates, which reached 30% in 2024-25 compared to 18.3% statewide. MSCS enrollment has declined by over 9% in the past decade.

A new Memphis group, Together4Students, supports a state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools to achieve education goals like doubling high-performing schools by 2035. Founded by Henry Jones and Mark Sturgis, the group partners with Memphis Lift and seeks 2,500 petition signatures to end the district's lawsuit against the state oversight board.

Indianapolis voters will consider a 37-cent-per-$100-assessed-value tax increase this fall to fund city schools, generating $90 million annually. The revenue will split $43.9 million to Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and $43.9 million to participating charter schools, aiming to prevent staff cuts and a state takeover, though the district still faces $20 million in future budget reductions.

Texas took over the Houston school district, leading to significant changes under Superintendent Mike Miles, including teacher reapplication, curriculum overhaul, and extended school hours. Tennessee Republicans cite Houston as a model for potential reforms in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, though critics question the effectiveness of these measures.