Shelby County school board votes to authorize litigation over commission election realignment
Summary
The Shelby County Board of Education voted 6–0 on Nov. 18, 2025, to authorize outside counsel to assess and, if appropriate, challenge a Shelby County Commission resolution that would realign school-board elections and accelerate all nine seats to the 2026 ballot; supporters called the move an effort to protect voters' expectations and statutory terms.
The Shelby County Board of Education on Nov. 18 approved a resolution directing the district’s general counsel to retain outside counsel to evaluate and, if warranted, file suit challenging a Shelby County Commission resolution that realigns school-board elections and would place all nine board seats on the 2026 ballot.
Mr. Jenkins read the resolution into the record, saying the commission action — adopted 8–4 after the mayor’s veto was overridden — would, in the board’s view, shorten the terms of five recently elected members and “abridge” voter expectations established at the time of those elections. The resolution directs the general counsel to report back to the board on the legal assessment and any proposed or initiated action.
Board members who spoke in favor of the resolution framed it as defending voters’ rights and the integrity of the district’s governance. Board member Porter and others urged action; board member Murphy described the change as disenfranchising and invoked historical struggles to protect the franchise. Vice Chair Coleman said she submitted the resolution and expressed concern that shortening elected terms undermines constitutional principles. Several speakers asked that the legal evaluation proceed immediately.
The motion to authorize outside counsel was moved by Board member Love and seconded by Board member Murphy. The roll-call vote showed six affirmative votes and the motion passed.
The resolution cites state law and recounts the commission’s timeline: the commission adopted the realignment resolution on Sept. 22, 2025; the mayor vetoed it on Oct. 6, 2025; and the commission overrode that veto on Oct. 27, 2025. The resolution alleges the commission action will place all nine board seats on the 2026 ballot and thereby shorten the statutory four-year terms of five board members who were elected in 2024.
Public commenters during the special meeting included residents who told the board they were concerned about alleged violations in the district and asked for accountability; another asked the board to explain the point of pursuing litigation and urged members to prioritize students’ interests.
Next steps: The board directed its general counsel to consult with outside counsel and report back on the legal assessment; the resolution authorizes litigation if counsel advises it is appropriate.
