Tennessee Bill Proposes Recall Elections for School Board

A new bill introduced by State Rep. G.A. Hardaway in Tennessee aims to allow recall elections for school board members and other local officials, a process currently not permitted under state law. This legislation, which has garnered bipartisan support, would enable local governments to set up recall procedures requiring signatures from 66% of the voters who participated in the official's last election. The bill comes amid ongoing tensions within the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) regarding Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins, as some school board members have attempted to remove her from office. Lawmakers, including co-sponsor State Rep. Mark White, emphasize the importance of accountability in education, stating that the public should have the power to remove officials if they are unsatisfied. If the bill passes, it would represent a significant shift in how local political accountability functions in Tennessee. However, the bill does not currently apply to district attorneys, a point raised in a separate ongoing effort to remove Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.