MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - As six suburban Shelby County cities have referendums on starting their own school systems, local officials say a possible backup plan could be charter schools.
Voters will choose Thursday whether their municipalities should start their own public schools, rather than become part of a combining Memphis-Shelby County school system.
Arlington Mayor Mike Wissman told The Commercial Appeal that charter schools are an option worthy of considering if a federal court rules against the suburbs in a lawsuit. The Shelby County Commission filed the lawsuit, challenging the constitutionality of a new stated statute that cleared the way for the referenda.
The court has not heard arguments on the lawsuit, but allowed the local election issues to proceed.
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Information from: The Commercial Appeal, http://www.commercialappeal.com
