The lawmakers who introduced the Tennessee Public School Accountability (TPSA) Act, which will empower a state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), and was passed by the General Assembly this week, on Wednesday said improving education and public safety will restore “confidence and genuine hope” in the city.
Passed on Wednesday in a 27-6 vote by the State Senate, and 73-19 in the State House, once signed by the governor, the bill will create a nine-member oversight board for under performing school districts. After the Shelby County Commission expressed its lack of confidence in MSCS last year, the district is currently the only one in Tennessee that meets the criteria for a school takeover.
After the legislation passed the General Assembly on Wednesday, State Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) (pictured above, left) and State Representative Mark White (R-Memphis) (pictured above, right) released a joint statement calling the takeover an opportunity to address longstanding issues with schools in Memphis.
“By establishing an oversight board of qualified local professionals, we will finally resolve the chronic challenges that have held our schools back for far too long,” said the lawmakers. “This transformative step will strengthen students, families, teachers, and our entire community.”
JOINT STATEMENT
Today the Memphis-Shelby County Schools intervention bill passed both the House and the Senate.
Our unwavering commitment has always been and remains improving educational outcomes for students attending MSCS. By establishing an oversight board of qualified…
— Senator Brent Taylor (@SenBrentTaylor) April 23, 2026
Taylor and White tied the state takeover of the school district to the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF), the joint effort by local, state, and federal agencies that deployed last September. Since it deployed, crime in Memphis has fallen to levels last recorded in 2001.
“For decades two forces have held Memphis back: crime and education,” said the lawmakers. “With the Memphis Safe Task Force making progress on public safety, we are grateful that the Tennessee legislature has acted with equal resolve to transform our education system. Memphians can face the future with confidence and genuine hope.”
Taylor has repeatedly championed the work of the MSTF, which has recorded more than 8,000 arrests by task force members since its deployment.
Earlier this month, Taylor’s Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act also passed the General Assembly. It will require the local district attorney to explain any decision to drop or reduce charges, or enter a plea deal, in cases generated through the task force.
While the possibility of a lawsuit looms over the MSCS takeover plan successfully passed by Taylor and White, the General Assembly has also passed legislation that would prohibit the district from using taxpayer money to fund such litigation.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Image “State Sen. Brent Taylor and State Rep. Mark White” by State Sen. Brent Taylor.
Is Nashville next? Because it definitely needs it.