Shelby County Chancellor Rules Against Cutting Five School Board Members’ Terms

MSCS Board Members Natalie McKinney (upper left), Stephanie Love (upper center), Tamarques Porter (upper right), Sable Otey (lower left), and Towanna Murphy (lower right) (Photos by Memphis-Shelby County Schools)

The Memphis-Shelby County School Board issued a statement late Monday, applauding a decision by Shelby County Chancellor Melanie Taylor Jefferson against the county commission’s re-election shake-up plan.

Commissioners approved the plan last year to align all nine school board seats on the same 2026 election cycle.  That decision would have put board members Natalie McKinney, Stephanie Love, Tamarques Porter, Sable Otey, and Towanna Murphy up for re-election two years early.

The board challenged the decision's constitutionality, and Chancellor Jefferson agreed.

“The court’s decision upholds both the letter and spirit of the law and reinforces the principle that locally elected officials should serve the full terms to which they were duly elected,” said board members in a statement sent to the Tennessee Firefly. “This outcome reflects a measured and thoughtful application of Tennessee law, and we appreciate the court’s careful consideration of the legal issues before it.  We are encouraged that this ruling provides clarity and ensures that the governance of MSCS proceeds with stability and respect for democratic process. Our focus remains steadfast on serving our students, teachers, families, and the broader community.”

Commissioners approved the election shake-up as a response to widespread criticism of the board’s decision to terminate former Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins after less than a year on the job last year.

This story is breaking and will be updated.