Board legislative liaison flags wireless law, Memphis audit talks and possible Pell changes

Miss Marquez, the board’s legislative liaison, updated members on several state and national items to watch.

She said a recently enacted bill related to cell phone/wireless communications became law; the district already had a policy in place that may make immediate changes unnecessary. Marquez also summarized a high‑profile state debate over restructuring and oversight of the Memphis‑Shelby County Schools: legislation (discussed as HB 662 / SB 714 during the presentation) that would have allowed broader state actions did not become law this session, but the legislature authorized a forensic audit that Marquez said could cost approximately $6 million before the next session and could inform future proposals.

At the national level, Marquez noted a proposed federal budget that would reduce some funding programs and cited a White House proposal that could reduce the maximum Pell Grant award from about $7,400 to roughly $5,700 — an amount she said could make a large difference for college students and families. She advised the board to monitor developments and to consider whether to submit resolutions to the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) conference this fall; boards may submit resolutions for consideration at the statewide delegate session.

The board did not take formal action on these items; Marquez asked members to share ideas for resolutions by the summer submission deadline.