TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Jun 26, 2026

Attorneys for Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) and Shelby County government have expanded their lawsuit challenging the state's takeover of the school district to include individual members of the newly appointed oversight board, the Daily Memphian reports. The federal lawsuit, filed against the oversight board and key state officials, argues the takeover law is unconstitutional and asks a federal judge to halt the takeover. The amended complaint also contends the law is "void for vagueness" because it grants the appointed oversight board the same authority as the elected school board. In related news, the oversight board also met and voted to begin the process of hiring its own legal counsel. Law firms are invited to submit proposals. A final vote on that decision is expected July 7. The Tennessee Attorney General's Office is representing the state in the case.