Taylor says MSCS audit release will show ‘colossal waste’ in school district
by: Raven Copeland
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Lawmakers and the community are awaiting Wednesday’s release of the forensic audit of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
The audit release could determine if Republican lawmakers’ push for a state takeover of Tennessee’s largest school district is warranted.
Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Eads), one of the sponsors of that state takeover bill, says he’s had meetings with auditors who describe the findings as “unprecedented,” and said the community will be “shocked” by what they hear.
“That’s what you’ll see in this audit tomorrow, is the colossal mismanagement, the colossal waste of taxpayer dollars,” Taylor said Tuesday ahead of the audit’s release. “What the audit will show is that the clown cartel has been in charge of the Memphis-Shelby County School district.”
Taylor says the MSCS forensic audit will reveal issues within the school district, specifically its usage of state dollars.
“It was reported that the school district bought a building for $6 million. They spent $30 million renovating the building, then sold it to a former school board member for $5 million,” Taylor said. “They built the Whitehaven STEM center, down in Whitehaven, they spent about $9 million of public and private money, they had a huge ribbon cutting, and then, it’s sitting empty. They don’t have any furniture, it’s not wired for internet, computers, anything, just a total waste of money.”
Additionally, Taylor says he’s been displeased with the series of leadership changes within the school district, specifically when it comes to superintendents.
Ahead of the firing of former MSCS superintendent, Dr. Marie Feagins, Taylor and Rep. Mark White both warned that a state takeover would move forward, if the board proceeded with the termination.
Additionally, Taylor says an oversight board is needed to improve the academic success and performance of MSCS students.
The audit findings are expected to be released Wednesday morning at 9, and from there, we could see what the next steps are, as it pertains to the bills that call for a state takeover.
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