Senate committee advances bill to create oversight board for underperforming school districts, including Shelby County

The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee on April 16 recommended Senate Bill 714 as amended for passage to the committee on the calendar. The bill establishes criteria for a "challenged school district," creates a nine-member oversight (advisory) board for such districts and authorizes a range of interventions that include removal of superintendents and expansion of Education Scholarship Account (ESA) eligibility.

Supporters say the measure is intended to provide extra oversight and tools to improve student outcomes in districts that meet the bill—s thresholds. Senator Taylor, the bill—s sponsor, told the committee the measure is not a takeover but an advisory framework that would help local school boards manage almost $1.8 billion in annual education spending and implement a transformation plan after a comprehensive needs assessment.

Opponents said the bill undermines local control…