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School Funding Feud In Shelby County

Last Update: 6/30 11:06 pm

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MEMPHIS, TN – There is a debate over Shelby County's plan to become the sole source of funding for all schools in Memphis and Shelby County.

The Shelby County Commission has approved the proposal, but the chair of the Shelby County School Board, David Pickler, says the plan is unfair to the county's suburban residents.

Pickler delivered that message to Collierville’s Chamber of Commerce Monday, June 30, 2009. One of the main concerns about the plan: taxes. Pickler says it will increase taxes for people in the suburbs about 26-percent. The board believes that increase would shortchange residents.

“This plan is envisioning that we radically modify the plan to provide yet additional funding for the English language learners and at-risk children, and to move funding designed for children in Shelby County, and move it to Memphis city,” said Pickler.

The Shelby county school board is also concerned that if this funding proposal becomes law, it would bring down one of the barriers against school consolidation. The Memphis City Council, the Memphis City School Board and Tennessee state lawmakers have to approve the funding plan before it can become the law.

David Pickler plans to meet the leaders of other cities in Shelby County. Monday, July 6, 2009 he'll meet with Arlington’s mayor and board of aldermen. Monday, July 27, 2009 he'll meet with Lakeland’s mayor and board of aldermen, and Tuesday, July 28, 2009 he'll with Bartlett’s mayor and board of alderman.

All of the meetings will take place at 6:30 p.m. at each city's town hall. The public is encouraged to attend.

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