Legislative update on county education

The Bartlett Express
May 13, 2005

provided by State Senator Mark Norris

Legislation to enable the creation of a special school district in Shelby County, sponsored by State Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville), passed the Senate Education Committee unanimously last week. It will be scheduled for a vote by the full Senate this week.

Currently, state law forbids the creation of any new special school districts. Senate Bill 2062 gives Shelby County the option to convert to a special district. The bill, if passed by the legislature, will allow Shelby County Schools to establish permanent, fixed boundaries and raise funds beyond those appropriated by Shelby County subject to legislative approval.

Presently, as the City of Memphis annexes land, it is responsible for educating in city schools the children from the annexed territory. Conversion to a special district keeps the county system intact, regardless of future annexations.

"I have an extensive history with this issue," Norris said. "I dealt with special school districts for a decade starting as a Shelby County Commissioner, as chairman and of the Education Committee."

Norris said the bill is the best solution for the challenges the area faces in funding education.


"This legislation preserves the best our schools have to offer," Norris said. "Not only will it facilitate reduction of county debt, but it enables local government to focus on improving education rather than squabble over money and governance."

If adopted by the full Senate and House, Shelby County would be free to establish a special district through a separate, private act. This would avoid possible consolidation of Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools, which would have increased the school district to an unmanageable 160,000 students.

"I have viewed conversion to a special district as the key for many years," Norris said. "Converting the Shelby County Schools to a special district would enhance administration by maintaining a smaller, more effective system and give revenue-raising autonomy to those who require it and are responsible for it."

Norris, elected to his second term last year, represents Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale and Dyer counties.