A contentious discussion of Shelby County's lawsuit against the state over its takeover of local schools dominated last week's Shelby County Commission meeting.
The Aug. 24 meeting saw things get heated over the commission's involvement and funding of the ongoing lawsuit. The board eventually approved a resolution requiring approval of future county funds going toward the legal battle in a split vote, but not before several members of the public weighed in.
Many people showed their support for the state's intervention in Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
Unveyunce Fitch, founder of Teach and Serve 901, spoke in opposition of the county spending taxpayer dollars on the lawsuit rather than the resources needed in schools.
"We have real momentum in Memphis
right now, but our children are being held back by a system that refuses to give them every single tool available to succeed..." she said to the Commission. "Stop playing politics with our children's futures."
A handful of lawsuit supporters also spoke to the Commission, though they were outnumbered by those against the legal action.
Liz Marable, president of the United Education Association, a local teachers union, said the lawsuit advocates for local control.
"We should continue the lawsuit because this is about more than who sits on the school board. This is about whether the people of Shelby County have the right to have a voice in how our public schools are governed," she said.
The future of the lawsuit will be up to the new Shelby County Commissioners, who will take office Sept. 1.
Lee Harris starts his exit
Two-term Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris is on his way out of county government, and and Memphis altogether for the time being.
Harris, who's last day in office is Aug. 31, marked the end of his administration with an unveiling of his official portrait.
The unveiling was held on Aug. 27 at the National Civil Rights Museum's new addition, The Legacy Experience. City and county leaders and staff, family, friends and supporters honored him at the event.
Several speeches — some tearful — honored Harris and his "new era of government." Associates and family members spoke of his leadership, humor and impatience, what Shelby County Attorney Marlinee Clark Iverson referred to as "Lee Harris standard time."
Harris, who joked that the county had already shut off his credentials to get into his office, said he is looking forward to the slower pace of life in Oxford, as he takes on a teaching position at the University of Mississippi law school.
"I am out," he said in his remarks. "And I got out alive."
Memphis artist Jared Small, who shares Harris' alma mater of Overton High School, painted the official portrait. The painting will join the display of former county mayors at the Vasco A. Smith County Administration Building, 160 N. Main St.
Harris said he gave almost no input on the design of the portrait, which features him standing in front of a green background wearing a navy suit with a maroon tie. He did, however, choose to wear the uniform of a "Morehouse Man" when posing for Small, a nod to his alma mater.
This week and next
The newly elected Shelby County Commission will be sworn in at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 31 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 N. Main St.
The Memphis City Council will meet on Sept. 1 at City Hall, 125 N. Main St. Meeting agendas for the council's committee and regular meetings will be posted on the city's website.
Got a question for us?
Got a question for the metro reporting team you would like us to take on? Have thoughts on what you want to see in our weekly politics column? Send an email to annie.goldman@commercialappeal.com or call 901-930-7431.
Annie Goldman covers government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at annie.goldman@commercialappeal.com or 901-930-7431.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Debate over Shelby County suing state heats up; Harris makes his exit
